At the beginning of September our organization OPEN MIND was the co-host of the 4th edition of Shipka Fest together with the Community Center of Shipka. A diversity of colours, crafts and music transformed the town of Shipka and we volunteers had the pleasure to take part in it.
The event, which took place in the Ethnographic museum Chirpanlieva house, started with flames and iron sounds, with the blacksmiths showing us the art of knife-making. Slowly, different craft people appeared, each with a unique tradition and technique.
Among them, there was the ancient tradition of basket weaving, the cold method of soapmaking,and herbal poultice making. The smell of lavender and rose oils surrounded the museum the entire weekend.
We were lucky to observe the traditional Bulgarian methods of jewellery making, using horn and nacre or beads. Meticulous and precise hands showed us ancient methods of knitting and embroidery. Workshops in woodwork and carving developed the creativity of many kids and adults who also took part in needle felting and drawing with henna.
We welcomed the traditional folklore dancers of Shipka, who danced with joy and energy!
Music was a large part of the festival. On Friday, we heard the mystic sound of The Flying Nomads followed by the nine different instruments of Soulfia. These two groups were introduced with a poetic song sung by of Ivet, accompanied by Frida on a guitar.
On Saturday, Kemindjidji, introduced authentic Bulgarian folklore music, followed by Bas Naroden, who performed a fusion of contemporary electronic music with traditional Balkan rhythms and ethnic bass. Between the two bands, a calming audio-visual exhibition called Chinari (Plane trees) was projected.
Jam sessions also took prominence allowing everybody to participate in the music.
The art exhibition “Svetlina for Shipka” was shown inside the museum, as well as the Photography exhibition “100 years ago with the photography of Antip Obushtarov”, which is travelling to London after Shipka.
A delicious vegetarian kitchen filled the stomachs of the grateful people of the event!
The end of the festival also included many other events – such as a voluntary activity for repairing the roof of the Community Center in Shipka and the projection of a documentary film Kaval Park (USA, Bulgaria, 140’’) directed by Bogdan Darev.
