Maramures - A Living Treasure In The EU Cultural Heritage

Project promoter: National Association for Rural, Ecologic and Cultural Tourism

Project partners:

• University of Akureyri
• Western University Vasile Goldiș, Arad, Baia Mare branch

Project value: 195,039 EUR

Grant value (85% EEA Grant and 15% national budget): 775,428 lei (175,535.42 EUR)

Website: www.maramuresmulticultural.ro

Project summary

A most unique area with a long history and unmatched beauty, Maramureș still carries on original cultural traditions by means of survival forms (images, structures, rituals of a diversity of multiethnic cultures), while local settlements are genuine outdoor museums.

The project identified and promoted at international level elements of intangible cultural heritage pertaining to different ethnic groups from Maramureș region in Romania. Also, the project promoted the multi-ethnical traditions specific to communities from a historic region in Iceland.   

Facts & figures

Field collection of cultural heritage (folk dances, instrumental and vocal music, traditions and handicrafts) representing the intangible cultural heritage of Maramureș.

• 5,000 DVDs multiplication of multi-ethnic intangible cultural heritage;
• 33 volunteers working with 33 canvassers.

Newly created amateur ensembles

• 3 amateur ensembles newly created (1 Hungarian, 1 Roma and 1
  Romanian) with the purpose of preserving the originality of traditional culture;
• 90 young people involved, at least 24 persons from each ethnic group, and 10 young people trained to be able to carry on the transfer of knowledge.

Exchange visits in Iceland and Romania

• 2 exchange visits in Iceland and Romania with the purpose of developing the intercultural dialogue;
• 8 performances included (6 in Iceland with 500 people audience and 2 in Romania with 300 people audience).

Ethnographic exhibitions

• 3 ethnographic exhibitions organized (a) Wood and  Ceramics, b) Old Textiles and c) A Tactile Tour Exhibition for Visually Impaired) with the purpose of Facilitating the access to the intangible cultural heritage for the general public;
• 500 visitors including 100 blind people and 50 international tourists.

Photo/video

http://www.maramuresmulticultural.ro/index.php/en/multiculturalism/maramures/festivals

Project in the media

http://www.graiul.ro/2015/11/12/arta-traditionala-din-maramures-in-islanda-i/
http://www.graiul.ro/2015/08/20/expozitia-de-etnografie-maramures-tezaur-viu-in-context-european/