Kolekts
Kolekts is a term used primarily in Eastern European and former Soviet societies to describe informal, community‑based gatherings where participants share a meal prepared collectively. The practice originated in rural villages, where neighbors would bring ingredients to a central location, such as a communal house or a private home, and cook together. Over time, the social function of kollekts expanded beyond sustenance; it became a venue for celebrating local festivals, marking life events, and strengthening neighborhood bonds.
In the Soviet era kollekts often served as an accessible alternative to state‑organized banquets. They were
The term itself is derived from the Russian word kolёк, meaning ‘group’ or ‘assembly’, and is often