Published: 2023-05-22
The Shepherds’ Meeting and Festival is an event held in Olaszfalu, Veszprém county, Hungary that brings together shepherds from the Bakony and Lake Balaton Highlands region.
Celebrating Rural Life and Bakony-Balaton Identity
This annual celebration, scheduled for mid-May, provides an opportunity for the shepherds to meet and dialogue, and allows visitors to learn more about the rural way of life in the area. It is part of the Veszprém-Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture project year which aims to showcase the region's popular tourist destinations as well as lesser-known villages and aspects of the Bakony-Balaton identity.
A Meeting of Shepherds
At the Shepherds’ Meeting and Festival, the shepherds are dressed in their traditional costumes and visitors can watch as singing and folk dance groups perform. The festival includes a workshop where practicing shepherds meet with representatives of various disciplines and researchers, both groups contributing their knowledge of ecological and sustainability aspects of shepherding.
A Global Reach
The event is also an opportunity for visiting international shepherds from countries including Kenya, Mongolia, Iran, and Spain to join in the dialogue on shepherding best practices and to bring their knowledge and sustainability perspectives to these Hungarian shepherds.
Conclusion
The Shepherds’ Meeting and Festival is a celebration of Hungarian rural life and an opportunity for shepherds to share and learn about sustainable practices, ecological awareness, and traditional practices, while visitors experience a unique cultural event that promotes a sense of community and respect.
Questions & Answers
What is the Shepherds' Meeting and Festival? The Shepherds' Meeting and Festival is an annual event that takes place in Olaszfalu, Veszprém county, Hungary, where shepherds from different regions, including the Bakony and Lake Balaton Highlands, come together to share their knowledge and experiences.
When does the Shepherds' Meeting and Festival take place? The Shepherds' Meeting and Festival is scheduled for May 19 and 20, as of the press conference held by the Zöldág Lovasudvar, the host of the event.
What is the purpose of the Shepherds' Meeting and Festival? The event is a part of the Veszprém-Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture project year, which aims to introduce the public to the Bakony-Balaton sites and to the quieter villages and lesser-known sides of the Bakony-Balaton identity. It also provides an opportunity for the practicing shepherds to dialogue, and fellows from further afield to get to know each other on ecological and sustainability aspects, and also with herders from Kenya, Mongolia, Iran, and Spain.
What is the objective of the Veszprém-Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture project year? The objective of the Veszprém-Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture project year is to introduce the public to the Bakony-Balaton sites and to the quieter villages and lesser-known sides of the Bakony-Balaton identity.
Who participates in the Shepherds' Meeting and Festival? Around thirty shepherds still live and work in the Bakony and Lake Balaton Highlands, and they participate in the Shepherds' Meeting and Festival along with foreign herders from Mongolia, Kenya, Iran, and Spain.
What happens at the Shepherds' Meeting and Festival? The participating shepherds share their knowledge and experiences while wearing their traditional costumes. There are also singing and folk dance performances for the public to enjoy. There is also a workshop where representatives of various disciplines and researchers meet practicing shepherds to share knowledge on ecological and sustainability aspects.
