On April 30th, two inspiring masterclasses brought together girls and women from the Municipality of Mallakastër to celebrate and preserve local culinary traditions. 

In collaboration with Agroturizëm Bylis, participants had the opportunity to learn hands-on how to prepare two iconic traditional products: byrek and tarhana recipes deeply rooted in our cultural heritage.

This activity was more than a cooking session, it was a moment of knowledge sharing, intergenerational exchange, and empowerment for women and girls, strengthening their connection to local traditions while exploring opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

Masterclass 1 – Traditional Pie of the Mallakastra Area

During the first session, demonstrations and practical exercises were held for cooking traditional pie, where participants learned different techniques for preparing the dough, local fillings, baking time and presentation for tourists.

Masterclass 2 – Trahanaja

The second session focused on the preparation of trahanaja, including the traditional process of drying, preserving and using in local dishes. Participants practiced recipes, discussed ways to add value to the product and ideas for integrating trahanaja into agrotourism menus.

This activity aims to economically empower women and youth, promote cultural heritage and increase capacities for sustainable tourism development in Mallakastra. The activities aim to create local products with added value, encourage small business initiatives and strengthen the connection between cultural heritage and agrotourism offers.