7th Tzoumerko Summer Festival
PRESS RELEASE
The work of the 7th meeting of the Summer School of Tzoumerka and Southeastern Pindos (THEST), with the theme “Eating. Cultural and social approaches of the (agricultural) food tradition”, which took place in Syrakos, North Tzoumerko Province, P.E. of Ioannina (August 25-30, 2019). The Summer School was organized by the University of Thessaly / Department of History, Archeology and Social Anthropology in collaboration with the Democritus University Thrace / Department of History and Ethnology (Laboratory of Folklore and Social Anthropology & PMS “Local history – interdisciplinary approaches”) but also the Municipality of North Tzoumerko, the Region of Epirus, the Management Body of the National Park of Tzoumerko, Achelou Valley, Agrafo & Meteora and the Association of Syracuse Ioannina.
Thrace / Department of History and Ethnology (Laboratory of Folklore and Social Anthropology & PMS “Local history – interdisciplinary approaches”) but also the Municipality of North Tzoumerko, the Region of Epirus, the Management Body of the National Park of Tzoumerko, Achelou Valley, Agrafo & Meteora and the Association of Syracuse Ioannina.
On the first three days, the theoretical courses were held (Sunday 25/8 to Tuesday 27/8) at the Conference Center “K. Crystal”. For the next two days (Wednesday 28/8 and Thursday 29/8) the students conducted field research in Syracuse, Kalarrites and Pramantas, while on the last day (Friday) the participants presented their research findings. More specifically, during the work, a fruitful reflection was developed.
This is due to the participation of important scientists from Greek universities and research institutes, who submitted excellent opinions on the issues that occupied the educational process. These scientists came from different sciences (folklorists, ethnologists, nutritionists, philosophers, anthropologists, agronomists, sculptors), which encourages the Summer School, so that there can be an interdisciplinary dialogue and a deeper understanding of the issues. This year’s event added the training of participants in the methodology and techniques of field research, which requires experience and knowledge to be useful.
2. The level of the participants was very high (postgraduates and active researchers), which facilitated the discussion, which gives the educational process elements of noticeable seriousness. This dimension created – and creates – conditions for the Summer School to emerge as a reliable educational institution.
3. Stable and unwavering care of the THEST (Summer School) is the meeting of the theoretical and research reason with the experience and experience of the entrepreneurs and professionals of the region. The starting point for this choice is the perceived need to benefit both scientists by listening to the experiential discourse and practitioners who may benefit from researchers. This meeting is of the highest priority for THEST, as it can lead to the neutralization of parallel routes and at the same time the strengthening of the cooperation of universities and research centers with professional bodies.
4. In the lessons there was a lot of discussion about food and nutrition both locally and globally. Special mention was made of the attempt to understand the historical course of man by studying foods and changes in dietary preferences. Typical is the case of sweeteners, which for a time were identified with traditional sweeteners (honey, petimezi), until sugar invaded as a result of the general global reclassifications, which affect both the economy and health.
5. Another issue was the supplementary economy either by garden cultivation, by village residents, or by descendants living in the city. This topic was also the field of research of a research group, which recorded the gardens and other activities, while at the same time discussing with those who cultivate gardens or engage in other activities.
6. Also, THEST focused on gender roles in the food production process and its supply to businesses. In other words, the traditional model, in which the woman had a specific role in all of this, has changed. Does the gendered division of labor continue? The topic was a field of research for the second research group.
7. The third research group dealt with a topic that occupied all discussions. What is the relationship of tradition to the development of entrepreneurship and tourism in the area of Tzoumerka? In this case, the tradition was concretized in the use of local products (meat, dairy, eggs, etc.). Can the local market cope with tourism and the increase in the number of consumers?
8. As a consequence of the previous questions, the question of locality arose. Given the fact that products from other regions are used, how local are the ones offered. Consequently, the return to the debate on locality and how it is shaped in the new conditions is put to investigation.
9. Another side effect of exploring the relationship of locality/tradition with entrepreneurship and tourism is the need for horizontal cooperation between villages and businesses. By creating a kind of business nuclei, a simplistic form of clusters, new content is given to the concept of locality.
10. The organization of the Tzoumerko Summer School is implemented thanks to the support of the Municipality of North Tzoumerko, the Region of Epirus and the company DODONI SA.
We thank them very much.
