Cultural Celebration Taps Vibrancy of Kosovo Serb Communities
Twenty-eight activities ranging from theater performances to chess tournaments attracted more than 1,500 people in five Kosovo Serb communities during the June 2-6, 2008 "Week of Culture." The week-long event is part of USAID's Support to Peace and Stability project, implemented by the Academy for Educational Development, designed to offer residents, especially youth, positive opportunities to engage in community life and demonstrate vibrancy in Kosovo Serb communities.
Over 100 people attended the traditional crafts and food presentation, which included a fashion show, a handicraft exhibition, and food tasting in Graganice/Gracanica. The mood was fun and festive. "Finally there is something happening in our community and it is not political," happily commented a young participant at this event.
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| A handicraft exhibition organized by non-governmental organization Avenija was one of 28 different events held during Kosovo's Week of Culture in June 2008. |
A comedy theater production held in Gornja Gusterica by Ghetto Theater attracted a standing room-only audience of over 300 people and provided the community with an opportunity to come together and laugh. In Ropotovo, a folklore competition brought more than 200 people to the Cultural House to watch singing and dance groups compete for a place in the final folklore competition held on June 6, 2008 in Graqanice/Gracanica.
A modern dance competition for youth dance groups was like "Euro Fest, right here," according to one enthusiastic attendee. An excited and friendly competitive spirit prevailed among participants and the audience of nearly 400 who crowded into the Cultural House. Various sport competitions including table tennis, basketball, volleyball, chess and cycling attracted up to 100 participants per event and close to 200 spectators in both Graqanice/Gracanica and Shterpce/Sterpce. Media coverage of these events by Serbian language outlets in Kosovo- and Belgrade-based media has been extensive.
The activities were organized by seven non-governmental organizations: Avenija; Communication for Social Development; Center for Peace and Tolerance; Future without Fear; Ghetto Theater; Link Production; and, the Organization for People with Disabilities.
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