What happens when 42 young people from Italy, Turkey, North Macedonia, Greece, Spain, and Lithuania come together in the picturesque town of Marina Di Davoli, Calabria? You get a vibrant week of cultural exchange, all centered around one unifying theme: food.
From April 10th to 18th, 2024, the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project, "Culture on the Menu: Flavors of Unity!" invited participants aged 18-25 to explore the unique flavors of their cultures, share their personal stories, and build bridges of understanding across diverse backgrounds. This wasn’t just about cooking—it was about learning, connecting, and creating something lasting together.
The project began with a warm welcome as participants settled into their new environment. After an overview of the objectives and logistics, the group dove into the first activities: an engaging introduction and team-building exercises in the stunning seaside town of Soverato.
Laughter, movement, and shared challenges helped everyone quickly bond, setting the stage for a week of collaboration. These early moments were about breaking barriers and building trust—an essential ingredient for what was to come.
The second day focused on exploring cultural diversity and creating shared rules for the group. Through interactive workshops like "The Universal Language of Food," participants began to reflect on how food is not just nourishment but also a powerful storyteller of history, emotions, and values.
In the evening, the cultural exchange came alive during the first "Intercultural Night," where teams showcased traditional music, dance, and food from their countries. It was a night filled with laughter, curiosity, and a growing appreciation for the beauty of diversity.
The third day took participants deeper into the project's core theme: food as a bridge between cultures. In the morning, they delved into interactive workshops exploring cultural heritage. Activities like "How the Food Shapes the World" and storytelling sessions connected culinary traditions with historical and emotional significance. Participants shared personal anecdotes linked to dishes from their countries, uncovering how food can evoke memories and bring people closer.
The highlight of the day was the first podcast storytelling session. In small groups, participants recorded podcasts linking their favourite dishes to family traditions, childhood memories, and cultural identity. The session brought out both creativity and emotional depth, as participants found common ground in their diverse stories.
Day four brought participants out of the workshop rooms and into the vibrant streets of Calabria. The group embarked on a cultural discovery journey with a city hunt in Tropea and Pizzo. Known for its stunning views and culinary delights, Tropea offered participants a chance to experience local flavors and traditions. The group explored local food markets, tasted regional specialties, and connected with local vendors, gaining a deeper understanding of Calabria's rich food heritage.
The day ended sweetly in Pizzo, famously known as "the city of ice cream." Everyone indulged in the renowned tartufo ice cream, savoring the mix of chocolate, hazelnut, and tradition. This excursion was more than a sightseeing trip, it was a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture and experience how food connects people.
As the week progressed, participants channeled their creativity into building something lasting, a digital cookbook. Divided into teams, they began curating recipes they had shared throughout the week, along with the personal and cultural stories behind them. This cookbook wasn’t just about food; it was a testament to the bonds they had formed and the diversity they had celebrated together.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to sustainability and food waste. Through discussions and hands-on activities, participants learned how small changes in food preparation and consumption could make a big difference. They shared practical tips and brainstormed ways to promote sustainability within their own communities. The goal was clear: to leave the program not just as cultural ambassadors but also as advocates for eco-friendly practices.
Final Cooking Event at IPSSEOA Soverato
This was the day everyone had been waiting for—the cooking session at the Istituto Professionale di Stato Servizi per l'Enogastronomia e l'Ospitalità Alberghiera (IPSSEOA) in Soverato. Participants, alongside local culinary students, rolled up their sleeves to cook traditional dishes from their respective countries. The kitchen buzzed with energy as young people swapped cooking tips, shared laughter, and supported one another in preparing their meals.
The highlight of the day was presenting these dishes to two large classes of culinary students from IPSSEOA. Each group explained the story behind their dish, sharing its cultural and personal significance. The local students listened attentively, asking questions and offering feedback. Then came the best part—everyone sat down together to taste the creations, turning the classroom into a lively celebration of flavors and friendships.
