Pottery Capital, Uzice
Description: Zlakusa is tourist village in Western Serbia well known because of rural tourism, Ethno park “Terzica avlija”, old pottery craft, monument of nature Potpecka cave (with biggest cave entrance on the Balkans). Ethno park Terzica avlija is one of the most successful and most beautiful village tourist household in Serbia visited by over a 7000 tourist per year. Until now Ethno park Terzica avlija and Ethno association Zavicaj have organized seven workcamps (http://www.zavicaj.info/eng/events/international-eco-camp/) with many volunteers from different continents. Aim of these camps is cleaning all rivers banks and springs in the village and removing illegal dumping from forest and fields, so that Zlakusa can be the first “clean” tourist village in Western Serbia.
Type of Work: Volunteers will clean the coast of river Detinja, paint bridge fence, decorate monument from WWII, clean up old small landfills, fix signs and marks on hiking routs, help organize a local dance manifestation.
Study Theme: Volunteers will be able to attend pottery class and presentation (international pottery festival has been held for 22 years in this village) after which the volunteers can try making something by themselves; also they will learn about Serbian traditional costumes, songs and dances and take part in local manifestation “Zlakusa in song and dance” wearing local traditional clothes.
Accommodation: in tents, bring your own sleeping bag; the food will be prepared by the volunteers.
Requirements: it is necessary to bring your own sleeping bag; bring a flag of your country which we will leave in the Ethno park after the workcamp; some spices, national food for intercultural night.
Approximate Location: Village Zlakusa is nearby Uzice (14km) in west part of the Serbia. The village Zlakusa is between mountains Zlatibor and Tara. It is famous for its pottery, hiking paths, salmon rich rivers, trumpet players and well preserved ethno villages as a part of ethno tourism. Volunteers will visit important cultural and historical spots in the area, Potpecka cave, museum part of ethno village, pottery households with presentation of craft work and chance to make pots by themselves. They will also see local festival dedicated to old craft of Zlakusa pottery.
Notes: Camp will take place at same time as the manifestation “Zlakusa in song and dance” where volunteers could have their performance learn about Serbian culture and tradition.