For Labor Day, Institutions of the Bethnahrin National Council Mark Their Heritage with a Traditional Cuisine Exhibition in Zürich

Zürich, Switzerland — In a festive tribute to International Labor Day, representatives of the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB) in Switzerland opened a three-day exhibition celebrating traditional Syriac cuisine in Zürich. This annual event, held as part of Labor Day commemorations, not only showcases authentic culinary traditions but also serves as a cultural forum for the Syriac diaspora.

Each year, as the international community honors Labor Day, the MUB institutions are invited to participate in a major exhibition that highlights the rich heritage of the Syriac people. This year’s pavilion, situated in the heart of Zürich, attracted hundreds of local and European visitors, eager to sample time-honored dishes and learn about the storied traditions of Syriac culture. 

Representatives from prominent bodies—including the Syriac Youth Union, the Beth Nahrain Women’s Union (Huyodo d’Neshe d’Bethnahrin, HNB), and the European Syriac Union (ESU)—were on hand to inaugurate the food tent, which served as both a dining venue and an educational space. In addition to sampling dishes prepared from recipes passed down through generations, guests received printed materials detailing the culture, history, and national cause of the Syriac community in the diaspora. 

“The pavilion is more than a place to taste traditional food,” explained one organizer. “It is a space where we share our past, celebrate our identity, and raise awareness about our national struggle. By participating in the exhibition, we are not only commemorating Labor Day but also reinforcing our commitment to keeping our heritage alive.” 

Throughout the event, visitors engaged deeply with the exhibitors, asking questions about the origins of various dishes and the cultural practices of the Syriac community. The interactive atmosphere fostered an exchange of ideas and offered attendees a chance to connect with a history that spans centuries—a history marked by resilience and a steadfast commitment to tradition despite the challenges of diaspora life. 

In a time when cultural legacy is under constant threat, the annual Labor Day celebration by MUB institutions stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Syriac people. In the bustling streets of Zürich, the traditional food tent transformed into a vibrant hub of cultural exchange, where every dish told the story of survival, pride, and hope for a future dedicated to preserving a unique heritage.