Try walking in my shoes…
This spring, Multi Kulti Collective and Caritas Sofia, with the support of Sofia Municipality, European Commission and Experian Bulgaria, invite everyone to join together to celebrate solidarity in the widest sense – between different groups of people, between cultures, between generations, between man and nature.
When: 18-21 May 2017
Where: Tolerance Square Area – Dom na Kinoto, Cush.BAR, Sofia History Museum and the area in front of it, Vkusove Restaurant
What: A Solidarity Festival with a number of wonderful events such as movie screenings, pop / jazz concert, art exhibition, a photo booth with Bulgarian and foreign costumes, workshops including: henna, composting, jewellery, calligraphy, storytelling, discussions, audio experiences, Suggestopedia, a donation point for babies’ nappies, dry milk and foreign language books, role plays, a farmers’ market featuring our favourite Multi Kulti chefs and more!
All events for free and open to all. Because of the limited space, some require pre-registration. Please see below.
The program is extensive, so we reserve the right to make changes. Please follow the Facebook event page.
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Programme
18 May 2017 – Thursday
18:30 – 19:00
365 messages of solidarity
Dom na Kinoto (Sofia, 37 Ekzarh Yosif Street)
Leave your message of solidarity on one of the 365 flags with which we will decorate the spaces of the festival.
19:00 – 22:30
Official Opening of the Solidarity Festival
Screening of the full version of Jan Arthus-Bertrand’s artistic documentary HUMAN. Discussion.
Dom na Kinoto (Sofia, 37 Ekzarh Yosif Street)
They put us face us face to face with each other and make us look for ourselves. Their stories are filled with love and happiness, with hatred and violence. They tell us about their lives. Sometimes shocking, sometimes breathtaking. And between each of their stories, like a breath of fresh air, is beautiful footage of nature on Earth.
Official event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1058209497613941/
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May 19, 2017 – Friday
16:30 – 17:30
Lecture about the rescue of Jews in Bulgaria during the Second World War. Discussion.
Lecturer: Leon Benatov
Performance of several songs in Hebrew by Kalina Georgieva, 7th grade student
Vkusove Restaurant (Sofia, 4, Trapezitsa Str.)
The rescue of the Jews in Bulgaria during the Second World War was a political action of the Bulgarian state, backed by the people, which made it difficult for them to be sent to Nazi concentration camps. Although the Bulgarian Parliament adopted a law in 1941 for the protection of the nation, within which civil rights restrictions were imposed primarily on Jews, there was no deepening of anti-Jewish policy in the country as there was in Nazi Germany and occupied countries.
Do not miss the opportunity to taste the incredible Jewish cuisine.
Partner: Vkusove Restaurant (Sofia, 4 Trapezitsa Str.)
18:30 – 19:00
Solidarity Exhibition
Cush.BAR and Dom na Kinoto(Sofia, 37 Ekzarh Yosif Street)
In the foyer of Cush.BAR and the House of Cinema we will present an exhibition of graphics, watercolors and more by non-professional talented artists – refugees and asylum seekers, people with disabilities and more.
The exhibition can be seen until May 21st.
19:00 – 21:00
Screening of one of the most successful Bulgarian films in recent years: The Good Postman. Discussion.
With the special participation of the director, Tonislav Hristov
House of Cinema (Sofia, 37 Ekzarh Yosif Street)
The 38 voters of Golyam Dervent face a difficult decision. The „Great Gate“, as it has been called for centuries due to its strategic location, is again at the centre of international events. This is the first settlement that refugees seeking protection go through. The forgotten village on the Turkish border has become a secret door to Europe. The local postman decides to run to become the mayor to save the ever more depraved Golyam Dervent by inviting Syrian refugees to live there. His main opponent closes his eyes to the problems of these people fleeing from war, wants to see the border closed and the country returning to Communism. The elections for the two candidates, however, do not end after the ballot count…
Official event: https://www.facebook.com/events/203277486846348/
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May 20, 2017 – Saturday
12:00 – 14:00
Knitting workshop
The Garden in front of the Museum of History of Sofia / The Public Baths (Sofia, Banski 1 Square)
A team of refugee women will help us rediscover a forgotten hobby. Come along and crochet with yarn, knit with plastic bags (upcycling) or just have a chat about the important things in life.
12:00 – 15:00
Refugee hairdressers give free haircuts
The Garden in front of the Museum of History of Sofia / The Public Baths (Sofia, Banski 1 Square)
The Arabic world is famed for its skilled hairdressers and Shadi is no exception. He will show us how it is done and give everyone who wants one a new hairstyle. Including you.
Partners: Sido Hairdressing Salon (Lyulin 10 District, block 107)
12:00 – 15:00
Composting and planting workshop
The Garden in front of the Museum of History of Sofia / The Public Baths (Sofia, Banski 1 Square)
Biological waste is not rubbish, it is food for the land. Composting is easy, useful and addictive. This is what Irena Sabeva will convince us, while telling us a tale of composting and solidarity with the earth, helping us to decorate our pot and plant flowers or herbs in compost created by her and her community in Knyazhevo.
The workshop is suitable for children and adults.
Partner: „For our Neighborhood“ Association
12:00 – 15:00
Theater of Crumbs with the Bread House
The Garden in front of the Museum of History of Sofia / The Public Baths (Sofia, Banski 1 Square)
Come knead and mix together!
The workshop is suitable for children and adults.
Partner: Bread Houses
12:00 – 16:00
365 messages of solidarity
The Garden in front of the Museum of History of Sofia / Public Baths (Sofia, Banski 1 Square)
Leave your message of solidarity on one of the 365 flags with which we will decorate the spaces of the Festival.
12:00 – 19:00
Farmers’ market featuring our favourite Multi Kulti chefs
The Garden in front of the Museum of History of Sofia /Public baths (Sofia, Banski 1 Square)
The basic principle of HranKoop (FoodCoop) Sofia is solidarity between small farmers and consumers, who deeply appreciate the land and the gifts it gives us. Some of our favourite Multi Kulti chefs will be the farmers’ guests. (Yes, Freddie will be there!) We will have the opportunity to taste great Bulgarian and foreign flavours and to do some shopping – high-quality, real, grown and cooked foods.
Partners: HranKoop Sofia, South Markets Municipal Company, a number of Multi Kultil Restaurants
12:00 – 19:00
Photo booth with Bulgarian and foreign folk costumes
The Garden in front of the Museum of History of Sofia / Public Baths (Sofia, Banski 1 Square)
Let’s walk not only in the shoes of others but also in their clothes! Traditional Bulgarian and foreign costumes will help us experience other times and lands, and a professional photographer will make us a portrait. Say cheese!
Partners: Council of Refugee Women in Bulgaria, Ideas Factory Association, Lazarka
12:00 – 19:00
Donation Corner
The Garden in front of the Museum of History of Sofia / Public Baths (Sofia, Banski 1 Square)
A good way in which you can show solidarity is to donate. We will be accepting your baby items (nappies and powdered milk) as well as foreign language books for children and adults in our donations corner. You can also find out more about where and when you can give blood because Bulgaria is one of the last places in Europe with voluntary blood donation and the needs are huge.
Partners: Council of Refugee Women in Bulgaria, Bulgarian Voluntary Blood Donor Organization
12:00 – 19:00
Chinese calligraphy and Chinese knotting workshop
The Garden in front of the Museum of History of Sofia / Public Baths (Sofia, Banski 1 Square)
Partner: Confucius Institute in Sofia
13:00 – 17:00
Henna workshop
The Garden in front of the Museum of History of Sofia / Public baths (Sofia, Banski 1 Square)
Join us in the beautiful world of mehndi – the art of painting the body with henna. You will be able to have painting made by women continuing this tradition from their home countries
14:00 – 16:00
Jewellery workshop
The Garden in front of the Museum of History of Sofia /Public Baths (Sofia, Banski 1 Square)
The workshop will be led by people from different countries. Dive into this multicultural area of creativity and fantasy and make your own jewellery.
16:00 – 18:00
Role Play: Take a Step Forward
Changing your point of view is always a good exercise. Take a step further with the popular role-playing game in which you will embody someone else and find out how it feels
The group is limited to 20 participants.
Pre-enrollment is required here – http://bit.ly/2qllpZ4 Please follow the instructions exactly and find us at the meeting point.
Partner: CVS-Bulgaria
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May 21, 2017 – Sunday
12:00 – 13:00
Jews in Bulgaria. The Solidarity of the Bulgarian People
Lecturer: Prof. Heni Lorer
Vkusove Restaurant (Sofia, 4, Trapezitsa Str.)
The rescue of the Jews in Bulgaria during the Second World War was a political action of the Bulgarian state, backed by the people, which made it difficult for them to be sent to Nazi concentration camps. Although the Bulgarian Parliament adopted a law in 1941 for the protection of the nation, within which civil rights restrictions were imposed primarily on Jews, there was no deepening of anti-Jewish policy in the country as there was in Nazi Germany and occupied countries.
Do not miss the opportunity to taste the incredible Jewish cuisine.
Partner: Vkusove Restaurant (Sofia, 4 Trapezitsa Str.)
12:00 – 14:00 h.
Jewellery workshop
The Garden in front of the Museum of History of Sofia /Public baths (Sofia, Banski 1 Square)
The workshop will be led by people from different countries. Dive into this multicultural area of creativity and fantasy and make your own jewellery.
12:00 – 17:00
Henna workshop
The Garden in front of the Museum of History of Sofia / Public baths (Sofia, Banski 1 Square)
Join us in the beautiful world of mehndi – the art of painting the body with henna. You will be able to have painting made by women continuing this tradition from their home countries.
12:00 – 19:00
Photo booth with Bulgarian and foreign folk costumes
The Garden in front of the Museum of History of Sofia / Public Baths (Sofia, Banski 1 Square)
Let’s walk not only in the shoes of others but also in their clothes! Traditional Bulgarian and foreign costumes will help us experience other times and lands, and a professional photographer will make us a portrait. Say cheese!
Partners: Council of Refugee Women in Bulgaria, Ideas Factory Association, Lazarka
12:00 – 19:00
Farmer’s Market featuring our favourite Multi Kulti chefs
The Garden in front of the Museum of History of Sofia /Public baths (Sofia, Banski 1 Square)
The basic principle of HranKoop (FoodCoop) Sofia is solidarity between small farmers and consumers, who deeply appreciate the land and the gifts it gives us. Some of our favourite Multi Kulti chefs will be the farmers’ guests. (Yes, Freddie will be there!) We will have the opportunity to taste great Bulgarian and foreign flavours and to do some shopping – high-quality, real, grown and cooked foods.
Partners: HranKoop Sofia, South Markets Municipal Company, a number of Multi Kultil Restaurants
12:00 – 19:00
Donation Corner
The Garden in front of the Museum of History of Sofia / Public Baths (Sofia, Banski 1 Square)
A good way in which you can show solidarity is to donate. We will be accepting your baby items (nappies and powdered milk) as well as foreign language books for children and adults in our donations corner. You can also find out more about where and when you can give blood because Bulgaria is one of the last places in Europe with voluntary blood donation and the needs are huge.
Partners: Council of Refugee Women in Bulgaria, Bulgarian Voluntary Blood Donor Organization
12:00 – 19:00
Chinese calligraphy and Chinese knotting workshop
The Garden in front of the Museum of History of Sofia / Public Baths (Sofia, Banski 1 Square)
Hosted by: Confucius Institute in Sofia
13:00 – 14:00
Laughing workshop
The Garden in front of the Museum of History of Sofia / Public baths (Sofia, Banski 1 Square)
The shortest path between us is… the smile. During this Laughter yoga session, we will not only find a way to each other but we will laugh out our hearts! Bring comfortable shoes and maybe a change t-shirt.
14:00 – 15:00
Lecture on Rescue of Jews in Bulgaria during the Second World War. Discussion.
Lecturer: Leon Benatov
Vkusove Restaurant (Sofia, 4, Trapezitsa Str.)
The rescue of the Jews in Bulgaria during the Second World War was a political action of the Bulgarian state, backed by the people, which made it difficult for them to be sent to Nazi concentration camps. Although the Bulgarian Parliament adopted a law in 1941 for the protection of the nation, within which civil rights restrictions were imposed primarily on Jews, there was no deepening of anti-Jewish policy in the country as there was in Nazi Germany and occupied countries.
Do not miss the opportunity to taste the incredible Jewish cuisine.
Partner: Vkusove Restaurant (Sofia, 4 Trapezitsa Str.)
14:00 – 16:00
Suggestopedia Laboratory
The Garden in front of the Museum of History of Sofia / Public baths(Sofia, Banski 1 Square)
What is the language of solidarity – that is what we will be talking about during this class, through which people speaking different languages will be able to communicate. At the base of the method are suggestopedia methods.
15:00 – 18:00
An audio journey with grannies
The Garden in front of the Museum of History of Sofia / Public Baths (Sofia, Banski 1 Square)
Traveling through the personal stories of the grannies from Granny Residence, you will find out how the initiative combines the potential of young people with the knowledge of their elders and what are the pressing needs in deserted Bulgarian villages? How would you feel?
Partner: Granny Residence / Ideas Factory Association
15:30 – 16:30
Lecture on Rescue of Jews in Bulgaria during the Second World War. Discussion.
Lecturer: Leon Benatov
Vkusove Restaurant (Sofia, 4, Trapezitsa Str.)
The rescue of the Jews in Bulgaria during the Second World War was a political action of the Bulgarian state, backed by the people, which made it difficult for them to be sent to Nazi concentration camps. Although the Bulgarian Parliament adopted a law in 1941 for the protection of the nation, within which civil rights restrictions were imposed primarily on Jews, there was no deepening of anti-Jewish policy in the country as there was in Nazi Germany and occupied countries.
Do not miss the opportunity to taste the incredible Jewish cuisine.
Partner: Vkusove Restaurant (Sofia, 4 Trapezitsa Str.)
16:00 – 17:00
Philosophical breakfast: „Me and Others“
Cush.BAR (Sofia, 37 Ekzarh Yosif str.)
What makes us different from others? We know our thoughts and feelings, but we do not know what’s going on in the head of the person in front of us? Publishing House „Tochitsa“ invites us to participate in a game where we will try to guess – and draw – the thoughts of the strangers we meet on our way. We will also try some interesting Lebanese desserts.
The workshop is suitable for children aged 7-12 and is limited to 20 children.
Pre-enrollment is required here – http://bit.ly/2pQq7dJ
Partner: Publishing House „Tochitsa“
16:00 – 18:00
Calligraphy workshop with Freddy
The Garden in front of the Museum of History of Sofia / Public Baths (Sofia, Banski 1 Square)
It is a well-known fact that Freddy is a charmer. Also that he is a great chef. But did you know he is a talented calligrapher? While living in his native Baghdad, he worked as a calligrapher and sign painter. He knows the 7 types of writing in Arabic and will be happy to reveal his secrets to us.
17:00 – 18:00
Lecture on Rescue of Jews in Bulgaria during the Second World War. Discussion.
Lecturer: Leon Benatov
Vkusove Restaurant (Sofia, 4, Trapezitsa Str.)
The rescue of the Jews in Bulgaria during the Second World War was a political action of the Bulgarian state, backed by the people, which made it difficult for them to be sent to Nazi concentration camps. Although the Bulgarian Parliament adopted a law in 1941 for the protection of the nation, within which civil rights restrictions were imposed primarily on Jews, there was no deepening of anti-Jewish policy in the country as there was in Nazi Germany and occupied countries.
Do not miss the opportunity to taste the incredible Jewish cuisine.
Partner: Vkusove Restaurant (Sofia, 4 Trapezitsa Str.)
18:00 – 20:00
Closing ceremony of the Solidarity Festival
Solidarity Concert
Museum of History of Sofia / Public Baths (Sofia, 1, Banski Square)
In the magic space inside the Museum of History of Sofia (Public Baths) we will enjoy the wonderful music of young and already established pop and jazz musicians and performers from Bulgaria, Peru, Spain and the USA.
– Yavor Velchev – Yavi (vocal and guitar) and Elena Angelova (percussions), BULGARIA
– Kristina Kirova (vocal), Samuel Eftimov (piano) and Isaac Benbasat (drums), BULGARIA
– Ritmos Negros (Piero Epifanía – guitar, vocal, Arnau Garrofé – saxophone), PERU, SPAIN
– Matt Petrarca – Music Page (vocal and guitar), USA
– Niya (vocal), BULGARIA
Official event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1418362771561765/
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The Solidarity Festival (May 18-21, 2017, Sofia) which is organised by the Multi Kulti Collectiv and Caritas Sofia with the support of Sofia Municipality celebrates solidarity, empathy, understanding, tolerance in a broad sense with a series of events such as movie screenings, concerts, discussions, workshops, storytelling , culinary experiences and more!
Solidarity festivals are taking place in Sofia, Belgrade, Tirana and Skopje in the spring of 2017 within the framework of the #CelebratingSolidarity project co-funded by the EU through the Europe for Citizens Programme. The Solidarity Festival in Sofia is co-financed by Experian Bulgaria.
Design: Bilyana Pancheva