The Misticas

Every morning of the Forum, a group of delegates has presented a mistica—a performance, often with song and ceremony, to celebrate food traditions and cultures. Today, more than two dozen pastoralists and nomads, in their traditional dress, proceeded down the aisle in the main amphitheater, chanting and singing. On stage, several of them sang songs, including shepherds from Italy and a pastoralist from North Africa. Yesterday, the Japanese delegation set up a beautiful tea ceremony and explained the rituals of the ceremony as they poured the steaming water into delicate cups. The first day we witnessed a display of seeds, representing the honoring of seed saving that dates back to the dawn of agriculture.