Spirit of the Paraćin Glassmaking in New Year’s Decorations

25.12.2025. The Creative Glass of Serbia Initiative organized the New Year Creative Glass Laboratory, where the rich tradition of Paraćin glassmaking was presented and reinterpreted through a contemporary artistic and educational approach. By creating authentic New Year glass ornaments, participants explored how the intangible cultural heritage of Paraćin can be preserved and adapted to a modern context, with a strong emphasis on ecological sustainability.

The program brought together participants of various ages and backgrounds, who learned about the history of Paraćin glassmaking, its characteristic motifs, and traditional cold glassworking techniques. They then applied this knowledge in practical activities such as etching, painting, and using gilding pigments, resulting in unique ornaments to decorate their New Year trees.

Participants also had the opportunity to learn about the entire process of glass design and decoration as it was once practiced in the Paraćin glass factory – from creating technical drawings and preparing glass objects for decoration to the final execution of the decoration. They used tools such as decorative modeling stands that were once employed in the factory’s production facilities, allowing them to experience the spirit of that era.

This workshop was part of the broader project “Glassmaking Tradition Meets Innovation,” which connects glassmaking heritage with innovation, implemented with the support of the European Union. The project is carried out by FREN, Center Rog Ljubljana, Institute for Creative Entrepreneurship and Innovation from Paraćin, and Museum Sydøstdanmark from Denmark.