🏺 2nd Newsletter DanubeCrafts Project

Welcome to the second DanubeCrafts Newsletter!

The DanubeCrafts project continues to promote the rich heritage of traditional crafts across the Danube Region by connecting artisans, communities, cultural institutions, and tourism stakeholders through the development of the Traditional Crafts Route. By combining heritage preservation with innovation and sustainable tourism, the project creates new opportunities for local economies while strengthening cultural identity and cooperation across borders.

Throughout the year, DanubeCrafts partners have actively participated in numerous cultural events and initiatives that celebrate craftsmanship and local traditions. Past highlights include the Hederlez Festival Celebration in Gagauzia, the National Day of the Traditional Costume at the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, participation in the “National Treasure” Cultural and Tourism Festival and the “Gagauz Koraflari” Carpet Festival in Moldova, as well as creative and innovation-driven events such as Maker Faire České Budějovice. The project has also strengthened regional collaboration through stakeholder workshops in Zenica (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Montenegro, presentations in Vienna, and participation in craft fairs such as the Baranya Delicacies Producers and Artisans Fair in Pécs and the “Heritage for Tomorrow” Traditional Crafts Fair in Vinkovci.

Looking ahead, the project will continue to expand its network and visibility through a series of exciting upcoming events across Europe. Among them are the Targul Mărțișorului Fair in Bucharest, the March Fair at the Dimitrie Gusti Village Museum, the Internationale Handwerksmesse in Munich, the famous Kaziuko Mugė Craft Fair in Vilnius, the Textile Festival in Kaunas, and the European Craft Days 2026 celebrated across Europe. Further cultural highlights include the European Cultural Heritage Festival in the United Kingdom, the Idrija Lace Festival in Slovenia, and the internationally renowned Festival d’Avignon in France, all offering opportunities to showcase craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and creative exchange.

Through these events, workshops, and international collaborations, DanubeCrafts continues to build a vibrant community of artisans and cultural actors, bringing traditional crafts closer to citizens and visitors while supporting sustainable cultural tourism across the region.