Draganovo: The Birthplace of European Horticulture
For the first time, the picturesque village of Draganovo will host a unique competition centered on traditional Bulgarian food, particularly the beloved garden soup. This event coincides with the annual Gardener’s Festival, a cherished holiday that celebrates the village’s pivotal role in pioneering European horticulture.
Draganovo, widely recognized as the birthplace of horticulture in Europe, maintains a friendly rivalry with the neighboring village of Polikraishte, which also claims this title. “Our dispute is like the Hundred Years’ War,” jokes Draganovo’s mayor, Ivan Kishev. Despite this rivalry, Draganovo proudly honors its legacy through the Gardener’s Festival, which pays tribute to the hardworking men who taught Europeans how to cultivate exceptional fruits and vegetables.
This year, the “Saedinenie – 1888” Municipal Corporation and the City Hall organized the festival, promising a more exciting celebration than ever before. The festival will take place on September 21st, marking its 13th year. Unlike previous years, the festivities will occur in the heart of the village, creating a more vibrant and communal atmosphere.
The Garden Soup Competition: A Culinary Highlight
This year’s main event is a culinary competition where participants will prepare the best garden soup, a classic example of traditional Bulgarian food, right on the spot. Each competitor will bring their own ingredients, using secret recipes passed down through generations. Alongside the soup competition, the festival will feature a contest for the best-arranged vegetable stand, judged by a panel that includes a chef, an agronomist, and Mayor Kishev.
The festival will also showcase the traditional culinary exhibition “Gifts of Nature,” where locals will present a wide array of produce and homemade dishes that highlight the rich flavors of traditional Bulgarian food. Folk ensembles from various villages will perform throughout the day, adding to the festive atmosphere with lively music and dance.
The Gardener’s Festival will begin at 10 a.m. with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Draganovo gardeners’ monument, the only one of its kind in Bulgaria, sculpted by Angel Angelov. Inaugurated on September 19, 2013, this monument honors the 18 countries where Draganovo’s gardeners have left their mark, including distant places like Australia, Chile, and New Zealand.
A Feast of Traditional Bulgarian Food
Following the official ceremony, guests, participants, and locals will gather at a large garden table to share a feast. The highlight will be a generous serving of garden soup, prepared in a large cauldron using an old local recipe.
Despite the decline of gardening in Draganovo due to competition from imported fruits and vegetables, the village remains famous for its beautiful and delicious cabbage. This versatile vegetable, known for its culinary and medicinal properties, will also take center stage at the festival, particularly in the form of sauerkraut soup—a traditional Bulgarian dish renowned for its ability to sober up even the heaviest drinkers.
The Gardener’s Festival in Draganovo is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and the rich heritage of traditional Bulgarian food. The event fosters friendships and keeps the legacy of Draganovo’s gardeners alive.
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