“Kërsteç” is a conceptual dining experience structured around a three course menu inspired by the traditional meals served at weddings in the Gora region of Kosovo. This mountainous region is distinguished by its rich cultural heritage, where customs reflect a unique blend of pagan and Albanian influences. Among these traditions, the Gorani wedding stands out as a central communal ritual, typically lasting three days and bringing together the entire village in collective celebration. Throughout the duration of these weddings, food plays a vital role. Prepared by the village cook, meals are served continuously to sustain participants as they engage in elaborate rituals that begin early in the morning and continue late into the evening. The act of feeding is both practical and symbolic, reinforcing community bonds and shared identity. The Bekteši family, originating from the village of Kërsteç/Krstec, has been engaged in cooking and confectionery for generations. Their contribution to wedding festivities is significant: they own the largest cauldrons in the village, which they lend to families hosting weddings, thereby enabling the large-scale preparation of food essential to the celebration. The menu presented in this conceptual dinner reflects this tradition in its most distilled form:

MENU

Starter: Soup (Čorba svadbarska)

Main Course: Beans (Gra)

Dessert: Halva

Tavolina, Tirana (ALB) 2026

Documentation Giulia Dajci