The first edition of the Festival of the Gornooryahovitsa Pot will take place this weekend

A New Traditional Food Festival in Gorna Oryahovitsa

On October 4, 2024, Gorna Oryahovitsa will launch a new traditional food festival. It will celebrate the region’s rich culinary and cultural heritage. The Festival of the Gornooryahovitsa Pot will preserve and promote unique local recipes. Most notably, it will highlight the iconic beef tendon dish. This festival seeks to pass down these authentic traditions and keep them alive. Dating back to the Revival period, the Gornooryahovitsa Pot has become a town symbol. Now, the festival will shine a well-deserved spotlight on its significance.

Traditionally, locals prepared the Gornooryahovitsa Pot during winter. They used a clay pot filled with vegetables, beef tendons, and local red wine. They sealed the pot with dough to trap the flavors, creating a hearty dish. This three-day traditional food festival will let visitors experience this historic meal firsthand. The event will take place around the scenic Summer Theater. Famous chefs like Velizar Ignatov, Stanimir Radichev, Tsarina Tsaneva, and Ivaylo Ivanov will prepare traditional dishes. It will be a rare opportunity to taste history and savor local cuisine at its finest.

Exciting Program of Food, Music, and Crafts

The festival will offer three days full of food, music, and cultural activities. On October 6, guests can taste traditional Gornooryahovitsa dishes, prepared by top chefs from community centers across the municipality. This is the perfect opportunity to sample authentic local flavors at the heart of this traditional food festival. Over 400 performers will bring the festival to life with music and dance, showcasing the best of Bulgarian folklore. Additionally, craft workshops and traditional corners will feature authentic handmade goods from local artisans.

Guest artists, including Rayna, Emilia, and the “Great Rhodope Bagpipes” led by Stefan Yanev, will enrich the folklore program with captivating performances. The festival will also include a “Walk Through the Past,” a fashion show of traditional Bulgarian costumes. This cultural showcase will offer visitors a deeper connection to Bulgaria’s rich heritage, enhancing the festival experience even further.

Tradition, Dance, and Unity

The Festival of the Gornooryahovitsa Pot will highlight not just food but also the region’s vibrant traditions. One of the key moments will be the “Horotropanka around the Pot,” a traditional circle dance set to take place on the evening of October 4. This dance symbolizes unity and the communal spirit, much like how the Gornooryahovitsa Pot brought families together during long winters.

By organizing this traditional food festival, Gorna Oryahovitsa honors its past while engaging modern audiences. The event will blend authentic food, cultural performances, and folk traditions, ensuring it becomes an annual highlight for locals and visitors alike.