Bulgaria
participants
In alignment with the overarching goals of ESN, the workshop organized by ESN Plovdiv aimed to foster cultural exchange, creativity, and community building among Erasmus students. The activity revolved around the traditional Bulgarian custom of making Martenitsa, symbolic white and red bracelets and dolls exchanged on March 1st to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Objectives:
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Cultural Immersion: Through hands-on participation, Erasmus students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Bulgarian culture, learning about the significance of Martenitsa and its traditions.
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Creativity and Craftsmanship: The workshop encouraged students to express their creativity by crafting their own Martenitsa bracelets and dolls, thereby engaging in a traditional Bulgarian art form.
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Interpersonal Connections: By exchanging Martenitsa with one another, students not only forged connections within the Erasmus community but also experienced the warmth of Bulgarian hospitality and friendship.
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Cross-Cultural Understanding: Through the storytelling behind Martenitsa, students gained insight into Bulgarian folklore and customs, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
During the workshop, Erasmus students gathered to create Martenitsa under the guidance of local organizers. They began by making the iconic white and red bracelets, symbolizing health and prosperity. Following this, they learned the art of crafting "Pijo and Penda" dolls, traditionally exchanged with loved ones as symbols of good wishes for health.
While some students managed to complete both bracelets and dolls, others focused on perfecting one item due to time constraints. Nevertheless, the atmosphere remained lively and engaging as participants shared stories, laughter, and cultural insights.
One highlight of the workshop was the creation of short videos, that we published on Instagram, where students introduced themselves, shared their nationalities, and proudly displayed their Martenitsa creations, even if unfinished. These videos served as mementos of their cultural exchange experience and showcased the diversity within the Erasmus community.
Throughout the workshop, students socialized, interacted with one another, and enjoyed refreshing beverages in the cozy ambiance of the venue. Overall, the event succeeded in promoting cultural appreciation, fostering friendships, and creating lasting memories for all participants.
