A survey of European practices for digitizing folklore, celebrations and rituals

A survey of European practices for digitizing folklore, celebrations and rituals

This document was created under PROJECT No. BGCULTURE-3.001-0020 “Roma folklore,
celebrations and rituals – cultural elements and cultural reflections”
Operational program: Cultural entrepreneurship, heritage and cooperation;
Outcome 3: Improved awareness of arts and culture of ethnic and cultural minorities (focus on Roma); Funded by the EEA FM 2014-2021.

STUDY OF WORLD AND EUROPEAN PRACTICES FOR UPGRADING OF FOLKLORE CELEBRATIONS AND RITUALS IN DIGITAL FORMAT

THEORETICAL MODEL – STUDYING GLOBAL AND EUROPEAN GOOD PRACTICES AND THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DIGITALIZATION OF FAMILY CELEBRATIONS AND RITUALS

• Subject of the study
• Target groups
• Context of research activities
• Applicable research methods, according to the objectives of the study
• Object of the study – the new electronic media

REPORT ON THE POSSIBILITIES OF TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN OF A “DIGITAL WORKSHOP” FOR THE PREPARATION AND CONDUCT OF WEDDING CELEBRATIONS AND RITUALS

• Study of modern examples – such as innovative examples of creating local cultural performances and description of digital technologies for storage, conversion and configuration of new digital content in accompanying cultural performances, educational events.
• Presentation of the possibilities for online planning of the wedding celebration – technological project for “digital workshop”
• Proving the working hypothesis that it is possible to create a “digital workshop” – as a space for publishing digitized samples of Roma arts, celebrations and customs.

THEORETICAL MODEL

Study of global and European good practices and the possibilities for the digitization of family celebrations and rituals

The present study is conducted for the preparation of a theoretical model and the implementation of the activity “Digital workshop for Romani folklore, celebrations and rituals in video format” under Procedure BGCULTURE-3.001 for the provision of non-grant financial assistance – Operational Program “Cultural entrepreneurship, heritage and cooperation”

CONTENT OF THEORETICAL MODEL – STUDY OF GLOBAL AND EUROPEAN GOOD PRACTICES AND THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DIGITALIZATION OF FAMILY CELEBRATIONS AND RITUALS

• I. Subject of the study
• II. Target groups
• III. Context of research activities
• IV. Applicable research methods, according to the objectives of the study
• V. Object of the study. new electronic media

I. SUBJECT OF THE STUDY

1. Justification

      All project activities are oriented towards increasing the access of the Roma communities /from small settlements/ to culture, as well as towards the preservation and intensive socialization of the Roma folk arts, rites, traditions and customs.
      Currently, all over the world, millions of people are watching and creating, through their phones, videos, movies and other examples of visual arts. The studies show that the representatives of the Roma communities are relatively positive towards the use of modern mobile devices and applications – as the main media for their social inclusion and social inclusion.
      The project idea is: to improve access to the culture of minority groups and to support the processes of preservation and dissemination of their movable folklore heritage, based on various video formats optimized for visualization through mobile devices and mobile applications.

2. Object

         By researching information and implementing innovative global, European Norwegian practices to create an information “background” for the development of electronic tools generating cultural events. “Digital Workshop” is a space for publishing digitized samples of Roma arts, celebrations and customs. In this space, examples of Romani art will be visualized in video format. Through an intuitive interface, users will post and play video clips on their phones, and also manually organize them into cultural performances, actively participating in local celebrations and traditional rituals.
         It is precisely such performances that will be demonstrated in the final project activities. There will be a demonstration of organizing and holding innovative local, cultural performances. In a similar way, educational events aimed at familiarizing the Roma communities with the newly created electronic tools in the “Digital Workshop” will be organized and held.

II. TARGET GROUPS

They solve a number of problems related to the promotion of Roma culture and art. The created virtual spaces are conditions for the intensification of local cultural processes, as well as for the interactive inclusion of the representatives of the Roma groups in the cultural events. In this way, the possibilities for preservation and socialization of the local Roma culture and the local Roma folklore traditions will be expanded. This strengthens the ties between generations and ethnicities, promotes multicultural dialogue and ensures the continuity and development of the Roma movable cultural heritage. The project will increase the motivation of the Roma communities in the territories of the small settlements to participate in cultural life as a recognized need and will lay a broad basis for social and cultural integration in the small settlements. Project activities provide diverse opportunities for artistic and creative expression of the target group in local holiday rites and rituals, festivals and celebrations.

III. CONTEXT OF RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

The local folklore traditions and arts of a number of small Roma communities are in danger of disappearing and losing their authentic color. This is due to the relative marginalization of these social groups, related to the limited social interactions and the few communication channels they use.
The goals of the study are to reveal the possibilities – innovative digital European practices – to increase the access of Roma communities /from small settlements/ to culture, as well as to the preservation and intensive socialization of Roma folk arts, rites, traditions and customs.
Digital practices will be identified, described, adapted and modeled –
improving the access to culture of minority groups and supporting the processes of preservation and dissemination of their movable folklore heritage, based on different video formats optimized for visualization through mobile devices and mobile applications. The working hypothesis of the study will be – that it is possible to create a “digital workshop” – as a space for publishing digitized samples of Roma arts, celebrations and customs. In this kind of interactive digital library, the existing examples of Romani art will be stored and socialized in video format. Appropriate web and mobile applications will be sought through which
users will be able to play these samples on their phones and also manually organize them into cultural performances – to support the celebrations and traditional rituals in which they participate.
Modern case studies will be studied as innovative models for creating local cultural performances. These digital technologies – for storing, converting and configuring new digital content – will be presented in educational events accompanying the cultural performances – dedicated to the innovative digital possibilities – accessible literally to every member of the Roma communities.
European networks for the digitization of culture and the arts will be explored. They will be provided to local museum and community center workers; of experts and administrations from small settlements; of Bulgarian and Roma artists and art groups and managers, as well as professionals in the field of digitization and work with Roma communities – for inclusion and participation in the modern processes for digitalization of European art.
Connecting to a professional international or European network can open doors to new opportunities to meet and collaborate with colleagues and internationalize your practice. Networks can offer a chance to co-create, learn, share information, exchange staff, train, broaden perspectives, generate new ideas and much more. There is a wide range of arts and cultural networks in many different activities and practices, from informal associations of cultural professionals to formalized membership bodies. Their websites can be a rich source of information and practical resources for exploring: digitized museums and exhibitions;
video sharing sites ; good practices for making videos with the phone’s camera; Google tools for creating movies, animations and collages, as well as existing video
editors.

IV. APPLICABLE RESEARCH METHODS ACCORDING TO THE OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1. Conducting a content analysis to gather empirical information about the possibilities of digitalization of family celebrations and rituals

In accordance with the aims and objectives of the study, several different types of research methods can be applied
with the relevant applicable tools.
The study refers to conducting a content analysis in the Internet space oriented to the target groups. Information will be provided on the surveyed digital channels, public networks, as well as the content analysis of web and mobile applications related to the activity of the surveyed respondents.
The most adequate method for exploring these possibilities is content analysis, i.e. the systematic numerical processing, assessment and interpretation of the form and content of existing information sources on the Internet. In general, content analysis is a method of qualitative-quantitative analysis of the content of information sources in order to discover or measure social facts and trends reflected in them. It is an interdisciplinary method of social sciences, applied in order to better understand not only the content of the text, but
also the social position of its author, his value orientations, his ideological and political orientation as a communicator and his perception by the recipient.

V. OBJECT OF THE STUDY – the new electronic media

Digital media (as opposed to analog media) are generally electronic media operating with digital signals. Modern computing is based on a binary number system. In this case, digitization uses the digits “0” and “1” to represent random numbers. Computers are machines that produce binary data as information and thus represent the predominant class of digital information processing machines. Digital media (“information presentation formats”) such as digital audio, digital video, etc. can be created, redirected and distributed by digital information processing machines. Digital media is undergoing a major change compared to analog.

REPORT

ON THE POSSIBILITIES OF TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN OF A “DIGITAL WORKSHOP” FOR THE PREPARATION AND CONDUCT OF WEDDING CELEBRATIONS AND RITUALS

CONTENTS OF A REPORT ON THE POSSIBILITIES OF TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN OF A “DIGITAL WORKSHOP” FOR THE PREPARATION AND CONDUCT OF WEDDING CELEBRATIONS AND RITUALS

I. Study and description of possibilities for digitization of family celebrations and rituals

II. Study of good practices /CASE STUDY/ for organizing family celebrations and events online, through video recording and video presentation.

III. Presentation of the possibilities for online planning of the wedding celebration – technological project for “digital workshop”

IV. Proving the working hypothesis that it is possible to create a “digital workshop” – as a space for publishing digitized samples of Roma arts, celebrations and customs.

IN .

I. Research and description of possibilities for digitization of family celebrations and rituals

1. Manifestations and formats of cyberculture

Cyberculture, also known as online culture, is a culture that originated and is emerging from computer networks, the Internet, entertainment programs, and business. It is also the study of various social phenomena associated with the Internet and other forms of networked communication, such as online communities, online server games, social media and networks, chats and texting, and includes topics such as identity, privacy and personal communication or network formation.
Cyberculture manifests itself through different forms of communication on the Internet and networks, such as different activities and places (sites), the use of metaphors and specific language (eg lite), as well as the use of different software applications.
Some of the main topics related to online communication and culture are:

Blogs
BBS (Historical)
Chat
Cybersex
E-Commerce
Online Gaming
Internet Memes
File Sharing
Social Networking

The digitization of family rituals and celebrations is the process of using digital technologies to preserve, share or modify the traditional practices and customs of a family or culture. Some possible reasons for digitizing family rituals and holidays are:

• To maintain a connection with one’s heritage and ancestors, especially for diaspora communities or families who are separated by distance or circumstances. For example, some families use online portals to participate in purchasing rituals to be performed at sacred sites.

• To adapt to changing times and circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made it difficult or impossible for many people to gather physically for religious or social events. For example, some temples have begun webcasting rituals to stay connected with worshipers, and some families have used video conferencing or social media to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or holidays together.

• To create new forms of expression and creativity, using digital tools such as virtual reality, augmented reality or artificial intelligence to enhance or transform the sensory experience of rituals and celebrations. For example, some devotees use VR Devotee, an app that allows them to attend festivals virtually with a VR headset

• To document and archive the history and diversity of family rituals and celebrations using digital media such as photographs, documents, audio recordings or video recordings to capture and preserve the memories and stories of different cultures and generations. For example, libraries have collections that show various aspects of past and present family customs

Digitizing Sacred Spaces: How COVID-19 Fuels Ritual Website Innovation

The pandemic has led to a boom in innovative digital ritual apps.

An example of a VR headset for a virtual visit to a Hindu festival with VR Devotee. Video screen capture

(RNS) — Religious rituals are sensory encounters. The smell of candles, incense, the taste of communion wine, the blessed food: each of them aims to involve the whole body in the spiritual experience.

A question for our time of pandemic: Where do online rituals fit into this sensory realm? What would be the appeal?

Well, like everything we consume, it’s about convenience, affordability and price. (And during the COVID-19 pandemic, safety.)

Long before worship became remote due to COVID-19, Hindus used online portals to purchase rituals and pujas to be performed on their behalf. Websites providing this service have proliferated since the late 1990s. While members of the Hindu diaspora are used to paying priests to perform rites at family temples or other auspicious holy places they can no longer visit, most online rituals are commissioned by pilgrims based in India.

But today there are hundreds of such sites, all offering subscriptions, group rates and live and recorded options – as you would expect from any product website – with some sites dedicated to furnishing rituals at specific temples, connecting different Hindu communities with specific sacred spaces and deities.

As COVID-19 forced the closure of temples for worshippers, priests around the world insisted on continuing to perform rituals as a vital spiritual weapon in the fight against the disease. Meanwhile, the digital industry has responded by remaking what we call sacred space.

2. Description of digital technologies – for storage, conversion and configuration of new digital content in accompanying cultural performances, educational events.

At the start of the pandemic, some temples began streaming rituals online to stay connected to worshipers — and for a while it looked like temple closings would be an unexpected boost to online ritual sales. But as more temples closed to stem infection rates during the deadly second wave of COVID-19 in April 2021, many ritual sites lost access to temples where customers were promised their rituals would be carried out.

There was another problem: rituals traditionally relied on the power of sacred spaces for efficacy. The answer has been to transform rituals to meet the needs of the moment: The pandemic has led to a boom in innovative digital ritual apps that offer personalized rituals that can transform any space into a sacred space—a kind of DIY ritual provider. Its video-assisted services and reference guide mean that “one can perform the ritual at any convenient time.

Another app focused on virtualizing the sacred was launched, with worshipers using a virtual reality headset and smartphone to access an immersive experience of live and recorded temple rituals.

The question is whether such innovations are authoritative. Although the response was largely favorable, there were concerns: What would happen to donations if temples moved into virtual space? Who would pay for access – users or temples?

Ultimately, they settled on a model where users would pay to access rituals at 150 participating temples. A donation button in the app ensures that the temples will continue to receive financial support from devotees.

As with so many technological innovations, we have yet to grasp the full implications for religion.

The market equalizes the depth of religious diversity and places decisions about power in the hands of companies, further marginalizing non-majority religious communities.

Long after the restrictions of COVID-19 are gone, digital applications will push the boundaries of how ritual is performed, where it is performed, and what constitutes an authentic experience.

Although the wedding industry has traditionally been store-based, more brides and grooms are purchasing items online for their wedding ceremonies and receptions.

White dresses, exquisite bouquets, diamond rings – these are some of the things that make up a traditional Western wedding. However, these items are just a fraction of the nearly $30,000 the average U.S. couple spends on a wedding ceremony and reception, according to WeddingWire, a wedding planning website under The Knot Worldwide. However, this $30,000 for an average wedding does not cover expenses beyond the responsibility of the main financier. These include things like clothing for wedding guests, wedding favors, and transportation for attendees.

Amanda Goetz, vice president of marketing for The Knot, says it’s difficult to determine how much a wedding guest can spend in an entire year. However, the average wedding guest spends $120 on a wedding gift, $400 on travel and lodging, and—for those looking to buy a new outfit—approximately $155 on new clothing and accessories.

In total (including the $30,000 average), that makes the wedding market a $78 billion industry, according to estimates from market research company IBISWorld.

The wedding industry has traditionally followed a predominantly bricks and mortar model. Although more online retailers can sell wedding-related items in the decor category, it’s sometimes harder to break into other markets, such as wedding dresses, fresh flowers, and jewelry. Many brides want to touch, feel and try on their wedding dresses. Flowers may wilt in transit. And buying a $15,000 engagement ring online to be shipped has some people thinking.

“Changing consumer buying habits in a very traditional industry like bridal doesn’t happen overnight,” said Ranu Coleman, chief marketing officer of Azazie, an online retailer of bridal and bridesmaid dresses and accessories.

“Although digital resources [such as wedding websites, apps and social media] have become a primary means of wedding inspiration, the majority of women-to-be continue to rely on local brick-and-mortar stores for major wedding-related purchases such as engagement rings (40% of couples buy engagement rings from a local store) and wedding day attire,” Goetz says. “Those who choose to shop online may do so for the convenience factor or to have a wider variety of options that may not be available in a store near them.”

But many online retailers have found ways to combat these obstacles. In fact, 35% of brides who got married in 2018 looked at wedding dresses and other wedding attire online, according to Wedding Wire.

Retailers like Azazie, online custom wedding dress retailer Anomalie, jewelry retailer With Clarity and florist Calyx Flowers are working to reach these brides and grooms online.

How brides shop for wedding dresses online

When it comes to online bridal wear, Azazie has been helping brides and bridesmaids choose their gowns since 2014. But working against traditional industry has not been without obstacles.

“The first hurdle was convincing customers to shop online for a big purchase like a wedding dress,” says Coleman. The retailer created a sample try-at-home program to address this, she says.

Azazie (#1091 on the Digital Commerce Next 1000 ) will ship brides up to three dresses at a time for $15 per dress, which includes shipping and return shipping. The buyer can try on their dress and keep it for a week before sending it back with a prepaid return label.

Coleman says the try-on program has grown to be one of the largest in the country, “with customers choosing to forgo traditional in-person shopping for more intimate ‘try-on parties’ in the comfort of their own homes.”

The customization that every wedding requires prompted Azazie to create a virtual showroom that allows brides and bridesmaids to share their favorite gown styles, with many of these gowns available in more than 60 colors.

A virtual showroom is especially attractive to newlyweds who live in different states because it saves everyone time and money,” says Coleman. “Showroom functions like a group chat, with more seamless functionality and a better user experience – all of which ensure that the customer stays on-site and engaged in the sales funnel.”

Custom wedding dress retailer Anomalie is well versed in customizing brides. Co-founder Leslie Voorhees Means started the company with her husband because she was frustrated with the markups and lack of availability in terms of cuts and options when it came to wedding dresses. The online retailer aims to make wedding dress shopping better for brides, with its latest efforts culminating in the form of its DressBuilder.

While Anomalie works with brides to design their perfect wedding dress from the ground up, the introduction of its DressBuilder platform, built in-house, will help them reach more brides, Voorhees Means says. Brides answer a series of questions ranging from what climate they’ll be getting married in to what type of fabric they’re interested in, as well as questions about hems, necklines, skirt silhouettes and more.

Anomalie’s dress designer allows brides to choose every element of their wedding dress, including the silhouette of the skirt

DressBuilder then shows brides an example of the dress they designed, with the option to add adjustments in certain areas. She then encourages them to set up a design consultation to confirm all the details of the dress, pay an invoice and then have the merchant start production.

Anomalie Dress Builder showcases brides and an example of their fully customized and designed dress.

The entire process is a collaboration between Anomalie’s stylists, the bride and the wedding party, Voorhees Means says.

“For many brides, that community of mother, bridesmaids and best friends is important,” says Voorhees Means. “We think this could be a digital-first experience. We hear brides talk all the time about how they shared our sketches and still included mom and friends about what type of fabric or lace they wanted in the design. I don’t think it requires shop experience or physical experience.’

But going all digital isn’t something many Anomalie brides adhere to. The experience of touching fabrics is difficult to digitize, says Voorhees Means. The retailer sends boxes to brides so they can see the exact color they’re buying, feel the fabric and make sure the mesh matches the bride’s skin tone.

“We often hear that brides will want to include their mom in this, so we’ll send two packages: one to mom and one to the bride,” Voorhees Means says.

This collaboration between everyone in the bride’s life, as well as the stylists at Anomalie, is essential for an online company, Voorhees Means says.

The complex business of selling flowers online

Flowers are a central part of wedding ceremonies and receptions, usually accenting the decor and touching everything from the bridal bouquet to the centerpieces. But the online flower industry faces completely different obstacles than the apparel industry when it comes to online sales. First and foremost, these merchants must be able to deliver flowers without the product wilting or dying in transit.

“We’re very weather-conscious,” says Cap Wallingford, co-owner of online flower retailer Calyx Flowers. “We have heat packs in the winter, cold packs in the summer.”

In addition to weather concerns, flower retailers also have to deal with the hurdle of delivering live product. Calyx Flowers overcomes this by being communicative with its customers and delivering its flowers and plants in what it calls “arrive alive”.

“It’s a bag of water that we put at the bottom of each stem,” says Wallingford. “We send them out on longer stems and then we need people to follow the directions [we provide], trim the flowers and put them in the vases.”

Wallingford and her customer service team handle roughly three calls a week from customers, usually asking how they can get the best value out of their arrangements. Wallingford herself answers many of these calls.

The new wedding packages that Calyx Flowers offers include a tropical wedding bouquet. Image of bride and groom walking down the aisle. Calyx Flowers Tropical Bridal Package

“I like to be hands-on with every single client,” says Wallingford. “That makes us very different.”

That hands-on experience came in handy with the new Calyx Flowers wedding line launched last year. The retailer offers individual bouquets or complete wedding packages that include bridal bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres, table centerpieces and petals.

Finding the perfect engagement ring

A look at the online wedding industry would not be complete without the addition of engagement rings and wedding bands. 55 retailers in the Top 1000 and Next 1000 sell jewelry online.

Online startup With Clarity (#1181 in the next 1000) has taken a new approach to online engagement ring shopping. The retailer, which launched in 2015, will 3D print a replica of a custom ring—many of which are mostly customized—for the customer to try on before spending thousands of dollars.

“Researching and shopping for an engagement ring can be extremely daunting,” says Anub Shah, CEO and co-founder of With Clarity. “And I think With Clarity tried to bridge that divide.”

The customization settings on With Clarity’s website allow users to select a setting—which includes the “collection” or style of the ring, the metal used and the shape of the base diamond—and then select the actual diamond they desire.

Buyers can then select a “home ring preview,” which ships up to two created rings to their home, which they must return in three days. Although not fully customizable, as customers cannot design their own ring from scratch, 15.0% of buyers who tried the preview option in its earlier stages ended up making a purchase, compared to 0 .3% of the site’s visitors overall, executives say.

“Now you can choose, ‘I want a rose gold finish on this style of ring with an emerald cut center and I want it to be a carat and a half,’ and that’s exactly what will show up on your doorstep for you to try on,” says Shah.

Souvenirs, gifts and wedding planning

The customization trend is still popular among women-to-be, according to Getz. The Knot Shop (owned by XO Group Inc., #1190 in the next 1000) sells everything from wedding day gifts to bachelorette party accessories. The retailer helps brides and grooms find products they can customize for their wedding day or other parties surrounding their engagement.
Personalized gifts are the best selling items in the knot shop.

“Couples are looking to add some kind of personal touch to every item from their wedding day decor and accessories, to the gifts they give to their friends and the gifts given out to guests at the end of their celebration,” Goetz says.
The Knot Shop’s best sellers reflect this. Six of the products that make up their top 10 list—shot glasses, stemless wine glasses, silk kimonos, pajamas, matchboxes, and glass coasters—are personalized items.

But The Knot does more than just offer party-themed items and gifts for bridesmaids and wedding guests. Founded in 1996, The Knot was the first digital wedding planning brand and continues to make strides in helping brides and grooms budget and plan their big day. After being in the digital wedding business for over two decades, the folks behind The Knot have noticed a few changes in the wedding industry.

“Over the past decade, we’ve seen an increased reliance on technology in a couple’s wedding planning process,” Goetz says. “These days, social media and smartphone apps are two of the most popular platforms for women-to-be to find inspiration.”

189 retailers and brands in the Digital Commerce 360 ​​Top 1000 and Next 1000 either fully or partially sell products related to the wedding industry. Partial retailers are those that sell items specific to a wedding (such as wedding dresses, wedding decor, engagement rings) and label them as such on their website. This analysis only includes those retailers that have displayed a wedding category in the navigation bar of their websites, as this is an indication that these retailers are targeting the wedding market.

The 25 brands that entirely or primarily sell wedding products online generated $515.1 million in 2018, or an average of $20.6 million. By comparison, the full 189 retailers that Digital Commerce 360 ​​labels as bridal did $41.85 billion, or an average of $221.4 million over the same time frame.

The large difference between the averages comes mostly from the fractional bridal merchants who are larger businesses or have a higher average order value (AOV). For example, partial bridal and apparel retailer Saks Fifth Avenue (owned by Hudson’s Bay Co. No. 41) has Digital Commerce 360-estimated web sales of $1.26 billion, compared to full bridal and apparel retailer BHLDN (a brand of Urban Outfitters Inc. , No. 45), generating just $146.0 million, the top-grossing bridal retailer.

The AOV of partial bridal retailers was also higher than that of full and mostly bridal retailers due to the high price points associated with jewelry retailers – only three of the 55 jewelry retailers were full or mostly bridal retailers

II. Presentation of good practices /CASE STUDY/ for organizing family celebrations

Irene Ingham and Troy Mitchell thought the digital part of their romance began and ended with Bumble in 2018, but the couple didn’t expect their wedding to go completely virtual two years later. In April 2020, as the coronavirus raged in parts of the US, the couple chose to go ahead with their wedding by exchanging vows in a virtual wedding attended by their original guest list. “Embracing the current situation and looking for creative elements to add to our wedding, we still managed to make our dreams come true,” the couple told The Knot. “If you [have] an upcoming wedding, consider using technology to bring people together to share your special day… So many of our guests said, ‘We were so excited to have something to look forward to during this pandemic. .””

Adds the bride: “My dad, who is older, was especially excited to join our wedding from the comfort of his home and virtually shared his feelings on video for all to see. One of our guests who watched the virtual wedding shared, “We were moved and uplifted by it all… your love for each other, your commitment, your generosity. We all needed that [at that moment]: the affirmation of life, beauty and faith. It made us all happy. And, in a sense, fulfilled.'”

So what exactly is a virtual wedding? A virtual wedding is defined as a marriage ceremony where some or all guests join virtually through video chat platforms such as Zoom, FaceTime, Facebook Live or Google Meet. Couples can choose to have a virtual one

wedding for a number of reasons – such as family members unable to travel but still wanting to join the wedding celebrations – but the most common of late is of course the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions on social gatherings and the need for social distancing.

However, couples aren’t the only ones embracing the virtual wedding these days. Mona Hirata-Sung, a wedding planner at Neu Events, got married in her own virtual “hybrid” wedding in Honolulu this summer. “I guess that’s one good thing that came out of COVID for me personally,” jokes Hirata-Sung. “I was finally able to plan my own wedding.” According to the pro, there are various considerations couples should keep in mind when planning a virtual wedding — including technology and virtual invitations, along with making sure your virtual marriage is legal. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list below of topics to discuss while planning a flawless virtual wedding.

Specific time zones and timelines

Imagine exchanging vows and toasting your newlywed status at sunset, while most of your guests will have to get up at the crack of dawn due to the distance. “Consider the timing of your wedding in relation to the time zones of your virtual guests,” says Hirata-Sung. “One of the benefits of having a virtual wedding is that it allows loved ones to be able to attend no matter where they are geographically… Hopefully your venue will offer a variety of ceremony and reception times to choose from so that you can choose times that will best accommodate your guests in their respective time zones.”

Along with time zones, timeline is an important consideration as virtual weddings vary in format. “Remember, virtual attention spans are shorter, so look for a shorter time frame for your wedding,” she adds.

Your original suppliers

Since a virtual wedding can be combined with a mini-wedding or micro-wedding, couples are encouraged to work with their vendors to incorporate their original style and vision into the ceremony. This might include asking your florist to build a suitable installation in the backyard or having your caterer send out menus and meals to local guests. Toilets are another alternative. Perhaps the bride will consider a more casual version of her wedding dress or accessorize in a way outside of her original wedding plans.
Finally, if you’re moving forward with your vendor team for your virtual wedding, connect all relevant vendors to coordinate the various moving parts as you would any event. “You’ll want to connect your photography, videography/streaming, and production teams to each other before your wedding,” says Hirata-Sung. “With a virtual wedding, they may want to plan and collaborate on the best camera angles given the placement of the device or the different cameras streaming. They can even choose to do a site visit beforehand.”

Virtual updates

Along with a date change notice, an FAQ page and constant communication are a must during COVID. Hirata-Sung says, “Create a wedding website to share information, like with the free site available through The Knot. For those who RSVP to attend your wedding virtually, you can share helpful virtual attendance tips, and you can convey relevant information to subsets of attendees, especially if some guests are attending in person, others via live streaming, and others via video conference.”

Investing in good technology

This is one of the most important aspects of a successful virtual wedding. Sound quality as well as great lighting and a stable internet connection are essential for this type of event. Talk to your vendors about what’s needed to make sure all three components aren’t broken, especially when you’re exchanging vows.

“Test the Wi-Fi capabilities of the wedding venue in advance. If the bandwidth is insufficient or if the wifi capabilities are ‘spotty’, then you can consider introducing a separate hotspot,” says Hirata-Sung. “Having solid and stable wifi is key to the success of your virtual wedding and ensuring your remote guests can enjoy your day with you to the fullest extent possible.” “
Invest in an AV screen that offers rentals, or Chrome Casting in the virtual wedding guest gallery to showcase attendees so the couple can see and interact with those watching,” suggests Monica Vanderbeek of Virtually Wed.

Crucial platform type

You and your partner will need to decide between a live streaming platform or a video conferencing platform. There are benefits to both. “Live streaming, such as via Facebook Live or Twitch.TV, allows guests to watch and chat with others via the chat feature, while video conferencing via Zoom, Skype and Google Hangouts, on the other hand, allows everyone to see each other and talk to each other, and is a more interactive option than live streaming,” says Hirata-Sung. “If you’re going with the video conferencing option, think about ways to engage and involve guests.

Dedicated “Streaming Admin”

Along with the right technology, the right people to help facilitate a virtual marriage will ensure a smoother process. “Have a dedicated person or professional serve as the streaming administrator,” suggests Hirata-Sung. “That person can be there to help guests with questions and can mute and unmute microphones. They can also choose the appropriate feed to show if they choose a more robust multi-camera production.”

If selected guests are unfamiliar with live streaming or video conferencing (say, your grandmother or great-aunt), ask the administrator to host a streaming training session with those guests. “One of the things I didn’t expect about my own hybrid virtual wedding was that several of my guests wanted to gather at their parents’ homes, so having multiple devices meant there was feedback from other people’s microphones,” admits the professional. “During the training session, they determined how far they could be in the same house to maximize participation.”

Virtual waiting room or “lobby”

Some platforms now offer virtual waiting rooms for guests to mingle before the event’s start time. While guests await the arrival of you, the couple, they can join the lounge and engage in conversation before the event begins. This allows the atmosphere to be more open and welcoming as guests participate in the entire ceremony.

Virtual Guest Experiences

The interactive activity is especially appreciated in a virtual wedding and includes the contribution of the guests to a video montage. Have your guests record messages in advance or have your videographer record their video messages as a memento of your day.
“You can also have online guests participate by reading during the ceremony, saying a blessing before the meal, doing some kind of performance, offering a toast or giving a speech,” notes Hirata-Sung.
Something to consider is hiring a professional host or emcee to facilitate the evening. “Enlist the services of a professional host to provide guidance and engage guests to attend virtually,” adds the designer. “Because the virtual wedding is still so new, it’s helpful to pass on basic instructions and an emcee or host can facilitate this. It also helps if that person provides commentary and builds audience engagement to bridge the physical distance.”

Virtual wedding dress code

For couples, it’s important to ask your guests to stick to a theme if you decide to go ahead with one for your virtual wedding. Conversely, as with a private wedding, guests should dress according to what the couple has requested.
The best place, if updated information is not available, is through the couple’s invitation or their wedding website. The Knot editors recommend that guests accessorize with a cute bow tie or a pair of fun earrings, as most attendees will be visible from the waist up.

Meals and cocktails with home delivery

Safely prepared bento boxes with menu inserts, pre-mixed specialty cocktails and delivery options are one way to engage guests who are local to the area (or those from further afield) as it’s yet another interactive virtual experience that can delight your loved ones.
“Couples could include food items that are easy to send, such as mini dessert boxes of treats found at the wedding, a charcuterie display filled with cured meats, cheese, mustard, dried fruit and nuts,” says Virtually’s Vanderbeek Wed. “An extra special touch could include working with a local company to assemble and deliver ‘to-go’ style meals for guests to enjoy while they virtually watch.”
These items may include instructions or hours to enjoy.” .

Virtual Wedding “Rules” for Guests

Being a good guest is not limited to being physically present at the wedding in person. Couples and guests should be aware of new virtual wedding rules such as a fixed start time, dress code and other interactive elements. “Be thoughtful and respectful by greeting the couple at the appropriate time,” says Hirata-Sung.
Couples may have a virtual reception line, or there may be a request for a virtual guestbook chat room. Brides-to-be may even request that guests use their wedding hashtag, and as with a typical in-person wedding, basic etiquette should be followed.
Finally, if the couple has a wedding registry, send your best wishes and good intentions by buying a gift. Although COVID-19 has upended many wedding plans, newlyweds will be grateful to get something off their wish list as expected.

Make sure your marriage is legal

If you want to legalize your marriage with a virtual wedding ceremony, the good news is that many states have signed executive orders or reopened municipal offices to allow this to happen. The legality of virtual weddings held across platforms was initially questioned this spring as couples adapted to COVID-19.
“Marriage laws and officiant registration requirements vary dramatically from state to state (sometimes even county to county),” a representative for American Marriage Ministries previously told The Knot. “Couples should really proceed with caution and do further research. Some offices may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis, given the current state of affairs, but couples should not assume that Internet weddings will be considered valid under their local marriage laws.” For tax filing
purposes, as well as health, immigration and/or maternity reasons, having a legal virtual ceremony is a practical way to honor your original wedding date so that you can also enjoy a few paper benefits that accompany marriage. If your state isn’t listed and you’re wondering how you can get a marriage license, here’s what to do. Check with your local authorities for next steps. If you have to wait to get legally married, remember that you can still honor your original wedding date with a minimal amount. Many couples’ minions include personalized and sentimental touches (think: ceremonial ring exchanges, living-room-to-rooftop vows, and the help of select wedding vendors like photographers and pastry chefs). It’s a beautiful prelude to your eventual wedding day gathering with your family members, best friends and loved ones all in one place.
Fred “Jackson” Brown’s fifth birthday party was going to be a big event this year, with family members traveling from Texas, North Carolina and elsewhere to attend the affair in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
But as Jackson’s April 2 birthday approached, his parents, Fred and Elizabeth Brown, began to realize that due to the coronavirus pandemic, they wouldn’t be able to host the event in person. Instead, they did the party on Zoom. Guests sent gifts in the mail, and the family put up decorations and made homemade cupcakes to make it feel as normal as possible.
As for blowing out the candles, some family members even had their own candlelit treats on display to share the experience with Jackson.
Although it was an unusual birthday, Jackson still had a good time. “That’s all we can ask for,” Elizabeth, 36, tells CNBC Make It.
For eight years, Cara Silverman, 36, a partner at the communications agency Various & Co., has celebrated Passover by hosting a Seder in New York with her best friend from college, Chad Martin, director of the Northeast region at the Israel Ministry. questions Tourism. The tradition began in 2012 when Ohioans couldn’t make it home for the holiday. They decided to organize a seder open to anyone who did not have one to attend otherwise.

But this year, Silverman and Martin had to hold the event digitally because they couldn’t host their friends in person. They chose to have it on Zoom. “We called it the ‘Zoomover,’ and our event hashtag is #NextYearInPerson,” Silverman tells CNBC Make It. Silver lining: The event saw an increase in guest numbers as far-flung family and friends were also able to pitch in.
Silverman has created a list of seder plate items for guests with substitutes in case they have difficulty finding them in supermarkets or making them at home. Martin focused on digitizing the Haggadah, a Jewish text recited at the Seder. He customized it to suit the event and numbered the paragraphs so guests could participate by taking turns reading from home.
“Easter is one of those holidays that is all about community and it’s all about what you have; reflecting on the past and looking to the future,” says Silverman. “Although we can’t be in person, this year the holiday is deeply personal
Churches held Easter services on online platforms
Nuria Parrish, 49, a priest at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church in Belmont, Michigan, who celebrates Easter Sunday, feels similar. Parrish is also the executive director and co-founder of Plainsong Farm, a non-profit organization that seeks to renew religious practice and serve community health.
Typically, the parish church celebrates Easter with live music and services, as well as shared meals brought by members of the congregation. Last year, the church’s children’s director, Rhonda Delnick, even brought a baby lamb to the event, Parrish says.
But instead of preparing for the usual festivities this year, the church planned to celebrate Easter entirely virtually. He moved his services to Zoom and Facebook Live and coordinated with musicians to perform remotely.
“I hope the congregation will hear and realize that Easter is not about getting dressed up and going to church,” Parrish told CNBC Make It. “We depend on Easter and its message of hope, resurrection and new life. That message is valid today, and it’s valid on Easter Sunday, no matter how we celebrate it.’
‘ , to keep safety in mind.
It would be the first Easter her church would celebrate in its new building, Myung says. Instead, her congregation met online. “We just [didn’t] want to take any chances or risks of anyone getting infected,” Myung says.
Highrock Acton streams its services on YouTube and Facebook, including pre-recorded music performances. The church then hosted a “virtual carnival” on Zoom from 12:00pm to 8:00pm, where community members chose time slots to provide entertainment, including games, comedy shows and cooking classes.

In the evening, the church hosted a “tiki lounge” for parents and educators, giving them a chance to gather over drinks and bond after their children are asleep.
Preparing for Ramadan by Following Social Distancing Guidelines
Although Ramadan doesn’t begin until the evening of April 23, Orlando, Florida resident Salmah Haq, 36, is already deep into preparations for the month-long holiday. Hack runs an event coordination and wedding planning business, in addition to her own food blog. She was also a life coach for international students at the University of Central Florida.
Hack helps students settle in before classes begin and introduces them to American and international holidays and traditions, such as Ramadan. She usually introduces Ramadan to her students by decorating her office with festive signs and preparing small gifts that include chocolate and dates — sweet treats traditionally eaten to break the fast — with a note that explains more about the holiday.
At home, Hak and her children prepare similar gifts for their neighbors each year, as well as make their own decorations and countdown tables together.
Since Haq is unable to share Ramadan in person with her students this year, she is reaching out to them through social media. So far, she’s been doing weekly posts with tips on how to get ready for the holiday. “The Internet has been a big help because it allows me to connect not only with people here in our community, but also with people outside of Orlando and across the U.S. and abroad,” Hack says.
Instead of sending gifts to his neighbors, Haq plans to send them text messages or cards. And even though he won’t be able to gather with other families for dinner after breaking his fast this year, Hack hopes to still be able to meet via Zoom or FaceTime.
People come ‘together’ to celebrate life
People don’t just come together for holidays – they also find ways to celebrate life itself.
When Albany, N.Y. resident Megan Fahey, 39, went in for her fourteenth round of chemotherapy last month, her doctor surprised her by suggesting she end chemotherapy early, opting to start radiation early instead. Fahey got the news around 1 p.m.
Until 4 p.m. there was already a social distancing celebration in front of her home that day. Friends and community members organized a car parade, making signs, decorating their cars and driving past Fahey’s home to mark the end of her aggressive cancer treatment.
“It was really a miracle that they got it together so quickly,” Fahey tells CNBC Make It. “Everyone was playing music and it made me cry. It was really amazing.”
How social distancing has led some to reconnect with old friends
Others, like Austin, Texas-based Josh Rubin, 41, director of creative strategy for The Daily Dot, use the time to reconnect with old friends. Rubin recently organized a reunion with members of his college a cappella group, the GW Troubadors — their first in about 20 years.

Rubin posted on Facebook to see if any former members would be interested in a reunion, and within 24 hours, more than 30 people, ranging from the class of 1995 to the class of 2001, said they were.
Before the reunion, Rubin had each person record themselves singing their part of their alumni song, “That Lonesome Road” by James Taylor. He then edited the recordings together and debuted the video during the group chat. It was such a success that they are already planning their next collaborations.
“It’s been 20 years since I’ve seen most of these people,” Rubin says. “There was nostalgia: I remember things I haven’t thought about in almost two decades, I immediately go back to the same patterns and relationships we had in college.
“It was one of the funnest moments I’ve had since this whole thing started.”

III. PRESENTING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ONLINE WEDDING CELEBRATION PLANNING – TECHNOLOGY PROJECT FOR “DIGITAL WORKSHOP”

The digital workshop is designed to increase the access to culture of the Roma minorities in the target territories and, in parallel, to increase their involvement in organizing cultural events, preservation and socialization of the local movable cultural heritage. It is an electronic tool / mobile application and web application / that will function on the phones and tablets of local residents; community center workers; performers and audience
It’s finally time to start planning the big day. The excitement is building and you can’t wait for the day when it all happens. But in the meantime, you have a whole wedding to plan and it can be busy. It’s a lot of work when really the goal is to relax and enjoy this time.
The best way to plan stress-free is to make sure you plan properly. A huge folder with hundreds of tabs containing everything from a guest list to flower arrangements? No thanks.
These days you can digitize almost every aspect of wedding planning, from creating a wedding website to sharing memories with family and friends after the dust has settled, and it makes things so much easier, allowing you to really immerse yourself in them and get inspired.

STRUCTURE OF THE “DIGITAL WORKSHOP” – STAGES IN THE PREPARATION OF THE WEDDING CELEBRATION

1. Making a wedding website

Creating a wedding website gives you a beautiful way to greet the people in your world and share happiness with them. But it’s much more than that, it’s a practical, easily accessible tool for any need your guests may have, from schedules to travel plans.
Your wedding website acts as a hub for your pre-wedding celebrations and planning. You can let people opt-in to the plan (and hashtag), announce updates, include a link to your registry, and more.
I have this amazing blog post where we give you tons of tips on what to include on your wedding website, be sure to check it out.
It’s pretty simple, you can learn how to make a wedding website and get one up and running for free with services like Wix in no time and save yourself a lot of trouble doing it.

2. Create a digital binder for planning

No one really wants to lug around a heavy pile of paper for months. And it’s definitely not necessary anymore. Most note-taking apps can accomplish everything you’re looking for in a much simpler form, allowing you to easily find what you need, when you need it.
Apps like Evernote let you sync everything across all platforms so you can access your folder on any device. Put all your notes, lists, inspiration images, contracts and anything else you might need and share them with your partner and co-planners by updating in real time.
We have a collection of printable wedding planning materials and digitally downloadable wedding planning binders right here!

3. Create shopping lists

An essential part of the classic wedding binder is your shopping list. There are so many things that need to be purchased and getting it right is essential to ensure that nothing is missing when the time comes.
Some note apps have great shopping list features built in that let you categorize, tag, and add notes to each item. Syncing and sharing with others makes it super easy to delegate shopping duties and track progress so nothing gets forgotten.
Check out our Ultimate Bridal Fashion Timeline right here, where we have a bridal fashion shopping list of everything you need to wear for your wedding—and all the other wedding-related events like your bridal shower.

4. Budget tracking

The budget is by no means the fun part of wedding planning, but it may be the most important. All of these purchases can add up really quickly and it’s never a good idea to lose track of your budget.

You can use any budgeting app, but some are specifically designed for wedding budgeting. Track payments and expenses and make sure you’re not tempted to overspend, while easily sharing and updating from multiple devices and with multiple participants.

5. Making online invitations

While paper invitations that arrive in the mail are beautiful and exciting, they can be an unnecessary expense, especially if you’re trying to save money. Paper invitations are also time-consuming and can have a negative impact on the environment.
That’s why many couples use online invitations like Paperless Post. They are easy to ship and allow you to step outside the box when it comes to design and creativity. The fact that they are much harder to lose and are sure to find their recipient are great reasons to go digital. Also, consider how easy it will be for your guests to RSVP with an online invitation.

6. Develop a seating plan

Creating a seating plan for your wedding reception can be fun if you enjoy solving complex puzzles. For the rest of us, we’ll take all the help we can get. Luckily, there’s a need for help using seating apps.
Most of these apps offer guest list management, including filters and comments, so you can easily track details like who’s friends with whom, who’s eating what, and who can’t sit together at all costs. It makes this puzzle so much easier
As with all the categories above, using seating chart apps makes things easily shareable, hassle-free, and free of piles of paper and drawing boards.

7. Create a registry

Setting up your wedding registry to receive beautiful yet useful gifts is a great way to start your life together. But with so many options for check-in locations, making a decision can be overwhelming.
For the easiest, comprehensive registration, you can turn to services like MyRegistry or even Amazon. They allow you to log almost anything from anywhere. Some apps let you browse the web, swipe on things to easily add them to the list, or even scan things in the real world.
Going digital with a wedding registry makes decision-making an on-the-fly process without much thought required. As an added bonus, some check-in sites offer discounts, returns, and free shipping, so definitely keep that in mind.

8. Photo sharing

Congratulations, you are married! Time to share all those great memories with your loved ones. Trust me, they are waiting for them.
Photo sharing has long been an online activity, so why not go the extra mile and use a dedicated service? They allow you to upload your photos by sending relevant links to family and friends to save and share them further from any device.
The real kick to wedding photo sharing services is allowing your wedding guests to upload their own photos from the big day. Everyone is a photographer these days and seeing your wedding from their perspective is priceless.
The earlier the better

IV. PROVING THE WORKING HYPOTHESIS THAT IT IS POSSIBLE TO CREATE A “DIGITAL WORKSHOP” – AS A SPACE FOR PUBLISHING DIGITALIZED SAMPLES OF ROMA ARTS, CELEBRATIONS AND CUSTOMS.

Digitalization of wedding celebrations is the process of using digital technologies to enhance, preserve or modify the traditional practices and customs of a wedding ceremony or reception. Some possible benefits of digitizing wedding celebrations are:

• To save time, money and energy by using online tools and services to plan, organize and execute various aspects of a wedding, such as creating a wedding website, creating a digital planner binder, shopping online for wedding attire and accessories, send e-invites and e-thank you cards and much more

• To reach more guests and include them in the wedding, especially those who cannot be physically present due to distance or circumstances. For example, some couples use live streaming, video conferencing, or social media to share their wedding ceremony and reception with their online audience.

• To create a personalized and memorable experience for the couple and guests, using digital tools such as virtual reality, augmented reality or artificial intelligence to enhance or transform the sensory aspects of the wedding, such as music, lighting, decoration, the cake and others

• To document and archive wedding memories and stories using digital media such as photos, video, audio recordings or blogs to capture and preserve the moments and emotions of the wedding day. For example, some couples use drones, GoPros or photo booths to create unique perspectives and angles of their wedding
The digitization of folklore, celebrations and rituals is also a targeted and developing trend in Europe. Digital technologies provide new opportunities for preserving, presenting, promoting and participating in traditional cultural heritage.

Here are some of the European practices for digitizing folklore, celebrations and rituals:

1. Digital Archives of Folklore: Many countries have initiatives to create digital archives where recordings of most songs, stories, dances and other folklore performances are kept. These archives allow easy access to cultural heritage and can be used for research, educational purposes and maintaining the traditions of the living.
2. Some European countries have created high-quality digital archives in which they preserve and promote some folklore elements, such as songs, tales, customs and more. These archives allow people to study and experience their country’s rich cultural heritage through the Internet.

Digitally Document Festivals and Rituals: The many festivals, celebrations and religious rituals are documented and shared through photos, videos and social media. This allows a larger circle of people to become familiar with these traditions, even if they do not physically participate in them.

3. Virtual Museums and Exhibits: Some museums offer virtual tours and online exhibits related to folklore and other artifacts. This allows people from all over the world to get to know the treasures of European cultural heritage.
Virtual Celebrations and Rituals: In some cases, recent celebrations and rituals have been adapted to the digital environment. Use online platforms and social media to share your customs and celebrations with the global community.

4. Web pages and platforms for sharing knowledge: Many organizations and communities create web pages, forums, and social networks where people can exchange information, history, and experiences about folklore and other customs.
Interactive sites and mobile applications: Some projects have been created to disseminate folklore heritage through interactive sites and mobile applications. This can include interactive stories, virtual tours, audio and video recordings of sales performance, and more.

5. Virtual events and workshops: In the digital age, virtual events and workshops are held that bring people together from different places to learn and share traditions, songs, dances and other folk performances.
Virtual Trainings and Workshops: In order to preserve and disseminate the knowledge and skills related to folklore, some organizations offer online trainings and workshops. This allows people to learn other activities and fulfillment without physical respect.

6. Digital platforms provide an opportunity to preserve and disseminate folk art heritage, but also require attention and solutions to challenges such as intellectual property protection, ethical aspects of digital recording and long-term data storage. You can also contribute to the extinction or change of traditions if not managed adequately.

Collective online projects: Many people join together in various digital projects that aim to preserve and enhance folklore heritage. This could be collecting old songs and tales, creating digital collages or interactive media exhibitions.
The digital workshop should be designed to increase the access to culture of the Roma minorities in the target territories and, in parallel, to increase their commitment in organizing cultural events, preservation and socialization of the local movable cultural heritage. It should be an electronic tool / mobile application and web application / that will work on the phones and tablets of local residents; community center workers; performers and audience – participating in folklore celebrations, rites and rituals in the target territories: the villages of Jagodovo, Bolyartsi, Joakim Gruevo and Malo Konare. The Internet applications, for each of the target villages, will have its own Internet address /URL – domain/ – e.g. : FolkWorkShop.eu/Bolyartsi. Participants have the opportunity to record video clips reflecting their participation in cultural events – regardless of their role – audience or performers. Through the electronic tools of the mobile and web applications, video clips reflecting the folklore events, celebrations and rituals will be recorded. They must create opportunities for publishing and categorizing the video clips, according to the type and genre of the respective folk arts.
In parallel, other groups of people should be able to watch the video clips on their phones – regardless of where they are and regardless of whether they are reflected in real time, “live” or visualize past events.
These innovative functionalities of the Digital Workshop are expected to increase access to organized local folklore celebrations and rituals; to attract new audiences, through the convenience of watching the events through the phone, and to engage a large part of the passive participants in the events to their active involvement, through the publication of their cultural experiences and reflections.
The web application of the Digital Workshop will be composed of two electronic modules.
The first module should be presentational. At first, it should demonstrate different genres of folk arts included in the relevant holiday ritual or rite: music; dances; cooking and others.
The second module to be operational. In it, educational resources should be organized showing the possibilities of shooting video clips using the smartphone camera. It should organize one or several mobile applications providing the processes of recording, storing and publishing video content.
The digital workshop to be linked to the local cultural calendars and thus develop as a multi-ethnic platform for cultural consumption. even purposefully looking for a comparison between the traditions, customs and rituals of the different ethnic groups – as an opportunity for their enrichment and development in the new era. The use of the mobile phone, both by those actively participating in the event – and those who initially assumed the role of spectators, gives opportunities for the mixing of these initial roles and for the active inclusion of the audience in the cultural celebrations and performances.
The creation of the Digital Workshop is expected to contribute to the inclusion of Roma culture in the current and innovative processes of digitization in contemporary art and culture

This document was created under PROJECT No. BGCULTURE-3.001-0020 “Roma folklore,
celebrations and rituals – cultural elements and cultural reflections”
Operational program: Cultural entrepreneurship, heritage and cooperation;
Outcome 3: Improved awareness of arts and culture of ethnic and cultural minorities (focus on Roma); Funded by the EEA FM 2014-2021.