It is beyond the strongest imagination, yet during the
many centuries in the small village of Banichan, Gotse
Delchev area in the Pirin mountains there has survived a
unique Bulgarian national tradition: hand knitting of
wool socks with ornaments. This is far from ordinary
hand knitting of socks from natural wool, it is a
vibrant combination of colours and ornaments which have
certain significance and bring information about the
day-to-day life and perceptions of the Bulgarians from
the past, their Christian beliefs, family, ethics and
human relations.
The ornamented
sock of the village of Banichan is narrowly
“intertwined” in the local customs, the Christian
beliefs, legends and myths.
The very location of the village of Banichan is special.
It is situated on the road Bansko – Gotse Delchev –
Drama. There is no other village with five churches, two
mineral springs, two rivers and such a beautiful women’s
folk dress. This is a place which has concentrated in
itself uniqueness and idiosyncrasy.
This is a noble place which can be appreciated by people
with self-confidence and rich emotional life, who
respect themselves, the values of life and the magic of
our natural and cultural heritage.
“The hand knitted socks of Banichan –
magic of beauty and art” –
this is the resounding name of the new project of the
Cultural Community Centre “Izgrev” in the village of
Banichan whose purpose is to preserve an old handicraft
– hand knitting, and to present it in a contemporary and
attractive way to the community of the region. The focus
is on the authentic handicraft and young generation –
its upbringing in the spirit of respect to traditions,
customs and culture.
The goals
of the project are:
To
stimulate the sustainable development of Banichan by
efficient use of the rich cultural heritage, the
intact nature and the human resources.
To
encourage development of local capacity for the
creation of eco and cultural products and to promote
the village as an attractive place for alternative
and cultural tourism.
To
establish and maintain durable and efficient
partnerships with similar local and international
organizations.
The project
completely corresponds to the strategy of the Cultural Community Centre “Izgrev” in
the village of Banichan which was developed under
project “SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF
GOTSE DELCHEV REGION” funded by Operational Programme
“Administrative Capacity”, realized by the non-profit
organization “Business incubator – Gotse Delchev, Centre
for Entrepreneurial Support” and applies the obtained
knowledge and skills.
The Cultural Community Centre “Izgrev”
was founded in 1930. It is registered in the District
Court of Law – Blagoevgrad 1997/21.11. Its
activity is outlined and guided by the National Cultural
Community Centres Act of 1996. The Cultural Community Centre
is seeking for a way to respond to the needs of the
people from the village and from the neighbouring
villages. The local school “Otets Paisiy” is attended by
children from the village of Gospodintsi.
The Cultural Community Centre organizes excursions and
visits related to the cultural and historical heritage
of our country. It coordinates the celebration of
festivities and rituals typical for the place.
