Every year, CED brings the community together by celebrating one of the region’s most popular crops, the bean. Not only does Beans Day celebrate the tradition and popularity of the bean in the Polog region, but it also celebrates our rich cultural heritage. Hundreds of people from the region, the country, and abroad, come out to enjoy themselves in the sun.
Every Beans Day celebration starts with a diverse and entertaining program of events, such as performances of traditional music and dance, presented by local cultural associations and schools. In past years, local museums from Vratnica and Dzepchiste have brought local artifcats and exhibits of the rich history of the region.
Local chefs spend all morning preparing a traditional bean stew, a favorite of the region. Volunteers help in serving the meal including other plates prepared by student groups.
“Children, adults, schools, entrepreneurs, volunteers, and such diversity from the region all gather together to celebrate culture, share food, share cultures, and enjoy a beautiful day.”
In 2019, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of Beans Day with a documentary telling the Story
Open Call for School Participation 2024
For Education and Development (CED) with the center invites interested schools to participate in the 12th edition of the cultural and culinary festival “Bean Day”, which will be held on September 21, 2024, starting at 2:00 p.m.
This festival aims to promote interculturalism, ecological rural entrepreneurship and sustainability, overcoming inter-ethnic barriers and highlighting the values of the high stake and Mount Shar. The festival will include a fair for entrepreneurs, school galleries, children’s activities, film screenings, as well as music and dance from various Turkish, Macedonian and Albanian genres.
On the occasion of “European Green Belt Day” we invite schools to collaborate with their students with artworks with the theme “Living in the Green Belt”. These works will be exhibited during the festival, providing a platform to express the ideas and creativity of the new generation for a green and sustainable future.
Interested schools may contact us to confirm their participation.