2013

Historical Feasts

Man is what he eats. (Ludwig Feuerbach)
To mark it 5th anniversary year, from 15 to 17 November 2012 the Rendez-vous with History explored the cultural history of food and the history of nutrition.
The historical questions of nutrition and the cultural history of food in all its facets were the focus of Weimar’s 5th history festival. What we find on our plates today, what we buy in supermarkets or weekly markets, or order in restaurants, is the preliminary result of an infinitely interwoven cultural, social, and economic history. The Weimar Rendez-vous set out in quest not only of this quasi global and universally historical, but also regional history and European traces. It became clear that times of abundance and epicurean diversity cannot be taken for granted. Hunger, penury, and deprivation are probably the most impressive historical experiences. And not only on account of crop failures, natural disasters, or as side effects of globalization, but also as a consequence of or even as instruments of war and conflict. Food is fundamentally political, not only in war, but also in agricultural and food policy, in bread revolts or at state banquets.
During three days, this »historical feast« was served up in the form of panels, lectures, and an accompanying culinary-cultural program. Where, if not in the Weimar Triangle with its three outstanding European food cultures, could one better reflect on and discuss such questions?