International audience got a taste of Croatian legends and myths in Edinburgh
Presenting cultural heritage using a creative approach has been on the rise recently – not only in Europe as a whole, but in Croatia as well. Some destinations have a lot of potential and plenty of fascinating content to unveil to the world, and it makes for a way more attractive concept if that potential comes to life through storytelling and great design than by stuffing some information panels in a dusty ancient city museum. (No disrespect to city museums, but while some are amazing, there are many sad, depressing ones out there. We all know the difference.)
Istra Inspirit is a great example of an outstanding approach to heritage. As stated on their website, it’s a “multi-awarded tourism project in Istria that enriches the cultural and tourist offer of the peninsula with the revival of historical events on authentic locations, through staged Istrian legends and myths”. It’s also the only Croatian cultural and innovative tourism project that was presented to the audience at the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, held in Edinburgh from October 20 to 31.
The lovely manifestation has been taking place for 28 years, this year’s edition also marking the 70th anniversary of Edinburgh being known as a Festival City. According to the festival website, SISF “demonstrates how the traditional art of storytelling is more vital than ever in connecting people worldwide, across cultures, places and generations”, as “artists from across the globe gather to guide us through the labyrinths of change and weave new narratives for a re-imagined earth.”
As part of SISF 2017, Croatia participated with Istra Inspirit, presenting plenty of stories, myths and legends rooted in centuries of local tradition. The enchanting journey through all parts of the country started with Slavonia, reviving the legend of Slavic gods Perun and Veles; the audience was then introduced to the legend of the Black Queen (Crna kraljica) who created the Plitvice lakes. The treasure chest of mythology preserved in these parts provided more than enough captivating stories to be told, and the performance was rounded up with a presentation of Istrian customs and mythical characters: Veli Jože giant from Motovun, the dwarves of Labin mines, fairies who built the amphitheatre in Pula…
“The project Istra Inspirit was presented to the international audience in Edinburgh, a city where one can participate in numerous guided storytelling tours; it’s also a city that serves as inspiration and an example of good practice where presentation of cultural-historical heritage is considered. The entire trip provided us with opportunities to connect with other professionals who are using storytelling as a business concept, while the audience got acquainted with Croatia through stories, legends, and myths”, said Morena Milevoj of Istra Inspirit.
Last year marked an extraordinary milestone for this wonderful project, as Istra Inspirit got featured among 28 world’s best tourism stories by the World Tourism Organisation (UNTWO). Another first for Croatia, another indicator of the project’s outstanding quality. Learn more about this amazing concept here.
Source: hrturizam
