On 13 October, the Sewing Room at the State Cultural Institute Cultural Center “The Palace”, Balchik, welcomed guests from the Balchik Home for the Elderly. The visit brought together an interest in traditional crafts, memories of the past, and shared impressions of the cultural heritage of The Palace.
The guests learned about silkworms, the process of obtaining silk thread, and the traditional crafts being brought back to life in the Sewing Room through the “Threads of Time” project.
During a conversation about the revival of traditional craftsmanship, one remark gave the encounter a special meaning. “Here, we have revived a forgotten craft,” the hosts explained. “Abandoned, not forgotten!” one of the guests promptly corrected them.
These words served as a reminder that although some traditional crafts have gradually disappeared from everyday life, the memory of them lives on. It is preserved in the stories, skills, and personal experiences of people for whom manual work was once a natural part of daily life. This living memory forms an invaluable link between generations and represents an important resource for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
During their visit, the guests explored the exhibits in the Sewing Room and learned about the ongoing work to restore traditional Bulgarian folk costumes. They then continued to the “Quiet Nest” Villa, as far as their mobility permitted.
Despite the rainy weather, the guests did not give up on their outing. The joy of meeting one another and the opportunity to once again experience the atmosphere and beauty of The Palace made this October day a memorable shared experience.
The team of SCI CC “The Palace” would like to express its gratitude to Dimitar Peev, Director of the Balchik Home for the Elderly, and his colleagues, who personally accompanied the visitors and provided attentive assistance and care throughout the visit.
Before parting, we invited our guests to return, particularly in spring, when nature once again reveals the full beauty of The Palace. We would be delighted to welcome them back, together with their friends, and introduce them to more of the cultural and historical heritage of the complex.
Preserving traditions is about more than restoring old techniques and crafts. It is also about caring for collective memory, human stories, and the bonds between generations. And sometimes, the very people to whom we tell stories about the past are the ones who remind us most clearly that it has never truly been forgotten.
The visit to the Sewing Room is part of the activities promoting the “Threads of Time” project, implemented with the financial support of the National Culture Fund of Bulgaria.
