Gyüttment Festival on 27. – 31. of August in Csobánkapuszta, Hungary
Who: students, PHDs, professors, ecologically interested people
Dear future participants!
The Gyüttment festival is organized for young people who are looking for a life and future in the
countryside, for those who have already moved out from the cities, and for rural communities to
take part in a 4 day program in Csobánkapuszta. Our goal is that the festival participants get to know
each other, share information and experiences, this way creating a network between those people
who already moved to the countryside and for those who are still looking for opportunities. The city
life is not imaginable without healthy and high quality foods and other goods from the countryside,
also rural communities rely on the services that cities provide. To achieve a more sustainable future a
reasonable balance has to be found between cities and rural communities. This requires that the fast
aging countryside needs an influx of young people to revive the old villages, farms and communities
in a sustainable and ecological way. Nowadays young people rather move to the cities, because of
job opportunities and a more comfortable lifestyle. The cultural heritage and values, the knowledge
and experience of rural people is in danger and has to be preserved. It is high priority to us to save,
learn and teach about this information and cultural heritage in an environment where people, nature
and a community spirit can fully encourage the development of people. We are waiting for You at
Csobánkapuszta from 27-30 August.
We believe that knowledge, research and high level education should be part of the countryside life,
to encourage and improve the sustainability and future of the rural life. During the festival (27-30
AUG) there is going to be a professional day, where NGO-s, communities, municipalities,
professionals, students and universities can present themselves and hold presentations or
workshops. We think this is the part where volunteers could help. We were thinking, that an email
should be circulated between student and professors, who could be interested in this festival. The
organizers unfortunately cannot support the participants with travelling costs, they can only provide
a place to stay and 3meals a day.
Presentation and workshops from organic, social (human ecological), environmental professionals,
teachers and researchers:
Some of these topics will be discussed and looked into more deeply: the population decline in the
countryside, possible solutions. Possibilities for rural communities, villages and towns in tourism and
in the preservation of traditional values. In depth ecological workshop: the connection between
human and nature. The healing and teaching aspect of spending time in nature with children and
adults.
Medicinal plants and herbs:
There will be a wide range of medicinal herb education at the festival. Several experts will teach
about the collection of herbs and the production of teas, medicinal drinks, soaps, creams, chocolates.
Some experts will hold tours in the forest looking for edible plants and herbs, making salads, soups,
and medicine from flowers, weeds, seeds.
Gardening:
On site presentations and excursions at organic farmers in the region. Explaining the importance of
organic/ecological agriculture. Explaining fruit and vegetable resistance against pests, disaeses and
weather conditions. Showing practical tips in gardening and forest management. Permaculture and
forest gardens. Soil samples, and in depth explanation of soil organism and the function of healthy
soils. No tilling technics and mulching. There will be also an anti-GMO tent, where documentaries will
be shown in this topic.
Self sustainability of the countryside:
Local farmers, gardeners will explain their experiences, what kind of opportunities young people
have, when they want to move to the countryside and work in agriculture: funding, planning,
practical tips for the first steps and the hard work. Community supported agriculture is spreading in
Europe and becoming more popular, there will be presentation about the situation of CSA in Europe,
especially in Hungary. Other topics will include: short supply chain, co-operatives, online sale
opportunities. The local farmers and producers will be included in an online community, where their
products can be purchased and information shared, this “local heroes” will be introduced and
promoted. Also during the festival there will be a farmers market, with local products.
Community aspect:
Ecological communities, villages and other organizations will introduce themselves, and share their
experiences and show an alternative way of life. Community gardens, preservation of traditions and
local natural treasures. Interactive and child programs. Alternative education (biodynamic-Wladorf
schools), home schooling. Art and craf workshops, playground and forest school. Introducing the
traditional rural crafts like:
beekeeping, cheese making, wine making, spirit (pálinka) distilling, ironsmithing, woodcarving,
pottery, making clothes from wool, home food preservation (einkochen, smoking, pasta making,
drying)
Alternative energy and recycling:
What roles renewable energy sources play in rural communities. The energy needed for the festival
will be provided by solar panels, supported by a company. Natural materials in the building of wood,
straw, mud and clay houses. Compost toilet, shower and compost boiler. Alternative transport
possibilities, horse cart, special bicycles..etc.
During the festival there will be concerts, cultural programs, live acts, traditional and folk music and
dancing. Also a Hungarian radio station will be broadcasting from the festival.
During the whole festival there will be great gastronomical experiences with local foods and
products, made by local people and by professionals (chefs).
If you are interested and you want to participate or help making this festival to become a highly
professional and educational event, please let us know, and write us if you could come.
Best wishes to all of you, and hope to keep the organic spirit alive!
Regards,
Szabolcs
E-Mail: gyuttmentfesztival@gmail.com
Phone: 0036202212401
Website (only in Hungarian): http://www.csobankapuszta.hu/en/event/gyuttment-fesztival/