Bulgaria: Crafting new beginnings in Plovdiv

Plovdiv, Bulgaria: 24 February, 2024

Marginalized communities in Bulgaria are getting new skills, confidence and opportunities for social integration through a blend of cultural workshops, focus groups, meetings and showcases.

On 24 February, a group of participants from four communities – Roma, Turks, Pomacs and Bulgarians – embarked on a cultural excursion organized by the National Association for Social Cooperation and Partnership (NSSSP). They explored the historic city of Plovdiv,Bulgaria, visiting the Regional Ethnographic Museum and engaging in craft workshops. The event aimed to preserve Bulgarian traditions, build community skills and foster integration among participants from diverse backgrounds, some of whom are disabled.

The day began with an early morning departure to the historic city of Plovdiv, accompanied by NSSSP experts, volunteers and tour guides. As the group navigated the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town, volunteers regaled them with tales about the area’s history and the inhabitants of its houses.

At the Regional Ethnographic Museum, the tour guide walked them through the exhibits. Following the museum visit, the group explored several craft workshops along the Street of Crafts, where they had the chance to admire and even touch the products crafted by local artisans.

The highlight of the day was a workshop where the participants learned to make martenichki, traditional decorations symbolizing the arrival of spring, in preparation for the upcoming Baba Marta holiday on 1 March. Participants expressed their eagerness to delve deeper into traditional crafts and community engagement activities.

The NSSSP was created to affirm spiritual values, civil society, healthcare, science, culture and social services in Bulgaria. Its goals include revitalizing national identity, preserving ethnographic heritage, boosting tourism, and championing environmental conservation efforts across the country.