Roma Soul Food at the 23rd LUPA Festival of NGOs

Ljubljana, Slovenia, September 3rd 2025

On 3rd September 2025, the Roma Soul Food project was proudly presented at the 23rd LUPA Festival of NGOs in Ljubljana. As one of the largest gatherings of civil society in Slovenia, the festival brings together hundreds of organisations, initiatives, and visitors from across the country, offering a vibrant platform for exchange, collaboration, and visibility.

At our stand, we introduced visitors to the project’s mission:

• preserving Roma culinary heritage,
• collecting oral histories, and
• fostering intercultural dialogue through the universal language of food.

The festival was not only an opportunity to showcase our work but also to connect with fellow NGOs, share experiences, and strengthen networks across different fields of social engagement. For us, participation in LUPA highlighted the importance of civil society in keeping traditions alive, amplifying diverse voices, and building inclusive communities.

We are grateful to everyone who stopped by our stand, asked questions, and showed genuine interest in Roma Soul Food. Every conversation reminded us how meaningful it is to keep Roma traditions visible and valued — and how shared curiosity and respect can pave the way for a stronger, more connected society.

The Roma Soul Food project is co-funded by the European Union.