kokelmisellisten

Kokelmisellisten is a term used in the ethnographic literature of the fictional region of Kokelmi to describe a networked culture that intertwines urban cooking, street performance, and cooperative community life. It denotes a loose affiliation of neighborhood groups rather than a single organization.

The name is a compound derived from the region name Kokelmi and the suffix -sellisten, inspired by words for performers and gatherers in the local languages. The exact origin of the term is disputed, with some scholars tracing it to early neighborhood markets and others to late-night jam sessions.

The concept began in the city of Varthol in the early 2010s, as industrial redevelopment displaced residents. Communities formed around shared kitchens and street performances. By the mid-2010s the term spread to nearby towns through online forums and local festivals.

Core practices include community kitchens, reciprocal lending circles, pop-up markets, and open-mic performances in public spaces. Decision-making tends to be consensus-based within local circles; groups often collaborate on food, art, and small-scale urban projects.

Kokelmisellisten is cited as an example of bottom-up urban culture and resilience. Proponents see benefits in food security, cultural exchange, and social cohesion. Critics warn that the label can be instrumentalized for branding or gentrification, and worry about uneven participation.

Notable entities associated with the kokelmisellisten umbrella include the Common Kitchen Network, the Mile Stage Collective, and Harvest Hymns festival.