The Celebration of Rural Heritage, Forest Products, and Values at the Forest Festival in Istria Model Forest
The popular third edition of the Festival of Forest and Forest Products was held on Sunday, November 17th, in the Istria Model Forest territories. Jointly organized by the Istria Model Forest and the Municipality of Lanišće, with funding from the Mediterranean Model Forest Network Secretariat, the festival took place in the remote mountain village of Brest, under Zbevnica Mountain in Cicarija.
The event featured a full day of activities, workshops, lectures, forest experiences, land art, and music. Designed for all age groups, the festival included workshops for children, adults, and families, with special features this year such as workshops for children with disabilities, land rituals for women, and a workshop for dogs and their owners.
Workshops like “Forest Relaxation and Connection,” “Conscious Breathing and Connection,” and “Forest Art Therapy” aimed to foster a deeper connection between participants and nature, in line with the festival’s slogan: “Let’s connect with ourselves, with others, and with the forest.” Most workshops took place in the forest surrounding Brest, while practical workshops on creating forest cosmetics and handmade woolen products were held in the village’s old school building. Lectures covered topics such as wildlife photography using photo traps, the healing properties of mushrooms, and life in forest wilderness.
A highlight was the innovative workshop “How to Create Tree Nets: Human Nests on Trees,” led by Italian activist Aleksej Petrov. Real nets for relaxation were constructed and will remain at the site until the next festival edition.
The Forest Fair featured regional producers showcasing forest-inspired art, crafts, cosmetics, handmade cakes, honey, cheese, and mushroom products. This year, a special focus was placed on promoting local products from the Cicarija mountain zone, with a dedicated “Cicarija Corner” presenting wooden crafts, woolen items made from mountain sheep wool, and juniper-based essential oils and spirits.
Cultural performances by local inhabitants were a highlight. The children’s group Mici Cici performed rozganje, a traditional Cicarian a capella singing style. This nearly forgotten cultural heritage was revived by a local teacher, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Other performances included poetry in the old Cicarian language and music played on the unique cindra, a traditional wooden instrument.
An imposing Forest Giant, constructed by Slama Land Art, became a centerpiece for photos, storytelling, and festivities. As dusk fell, it was ceremonially burned, accompanied by a dance of the forest fairy. The evening concluded with a mesmerizing concert by the band Vrach, featuring percussion, handpan, didgeridoo, and nature-inspired sounds. A large bonfire provided warmth and a gathering place for attendees to enjoy mulled wine and tea prepared by festival volunteers.
The festival also celebrated traditional and authentic gastronomy, with dishes based on game, mushrooms, wild plants, and forest fruits, alongside vegan and vegetarian options. Dubbed a “Festival for All,” it successfully blended esoteric and alternative practices with the rich rural heritage of Istrian forest landscapes.
