The 1st Etar International Arts and Crafts Fair 2003 will take place at the Etar Ethnographic Open-air Museum near Gabrovo between September 5 and 7.
The event is part of the Culture Ministry's strategy to promote cultural tourism and, if succesful, is intended to be a model for the development of cultural tourism that could be applied by other Bulgarian museums.
Rope twisting, wicker basket weaving, the use of natural dyes, plum smoking, glazier's putty making and other crafts will be demonstrated at the fair. Participants are expected to attend the event from Ukraine, Russia and Hungary. Guests will be able to try traditional foods from these regions, including such rare dishes as damson cheese and hominy.
Besides a traditional crafts fair, there will also be an exhibition sale of woodcraft articles and an open discussion on museums and cultural tourism with lecturers of the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia and experts of the Ministry of Economy. Museums from around the country will take part in a show of national costumes, scheduled to take place at the museum on September 6.
There will also be a competition to find the country's best coppersmith.
The Etar Ethnographic Open-air Museum is the first of its kind in Bulgaria. It is located 8 km south of Gabrovo and displays the architecture, lifestyle and the economic past of the Gabrovo region during the National Revival Period (c. 1750-1880).
The Culture Ministry has put forward 27 000 leva for the fair, which it hopes will become an annual event.
The Etar Ethnographic Museum will contribute to the funding and craftsmen's associations, non-governmental organisations and tour operators will also join the effort.
The event is part of the Culture Ministry's strategy to promote cultural tourism and, if succesful, is intended to be a model for the development of cultural tourism that could be applied by other Bulgarian museums.
Rope twisting, wicker basket weaving, the use of natural dyes, plum smoking, glazier's putty making and other crafts will be demonstrated at the fair. Participants are expected to attend the event from Ukraine, Russia and Hungary. Guests will be able to try traditional foods from these regions, including such rare dishes as damson cheese and hominy.
Besides a traditional crafts fair, there will also be an exhibition sale of woodcraft articles and an open discussion on museums and cultural tourism with lecturers of the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia and experts of the Ministry of Economy. Museums from around the country will take part in a show of national costumes, scheduled to take place at the museum on September 6.
There will also be a competition to find the country's best coppersmith.
The Etar Ethnographic Open-air Museum is the first of its kind in Bulgaria. It is located 8 km south of Gabrovo and displays the architecture, lifestyle and the economic past of the Gabrovo region during the National Revival Period (c. 1750-1880).
The Culture Ministry has put forward 27 000 leva for the fair, which it hopes will become an annual event.
The Etar Ethnographic Museum will contribute to the funding and craftsmen's associations, non-governmental organisations and tour operators will also join the effort.
