Set in the charming town of Elena, near Veliko Tarnovo, the Elena Ham Festival is one of Bulgaria’s biggest culinary events. Held on November 8, 9, and 10, 2024, it promises a weekend filled with delicious food, lively entertainment, and cultural activities. The Elena Ham, known as the “King of Appetizers,” will be the main highlight, offering a true taste of tradition and history.
From October 7 to 14, 2024, Sevlievo will host the Traditional Pumpkin Festival. This week-long event will celebrate the town’s rich agricultural and culinary traditions. Conveniently located, Sevlievo offers a fantastic festival near Veliko Tarnovo, making it an ideal spot for both locals and tourists. The event will begin just before Sevlievo’s Patron Saint Day on Petkovden and will coincide with the 102nd edition of the Sevlievo Autumn Fair. Visitors can enjoy live music, delicious pumpkin dishes, a pumpkin-themed bar, and the fun atmosphere of fairground lights. There will be games and prizes for both children and adults, making it a lively experience for everyone.
This exciting event will be held in the town square and will feature two main sections: culinary and folklore. The Walnut Festival is created by Petya Kirilova and Antonio Perez, whose vision is to expand it internationally. They aim to collaborate with Spanish municipalities from the Malaga region, which also celebrates a similar festival. Their goal is to make this a large-scale event. To draw visitors from across the country, including from Veliko Tarnovo and the surrounding areas. They hope guests will spend at least one full weekend in Dolna Oryahovitsa. And will enjoy the Walnut Festival and explore nearby Veliko Tarnovo.
For the second year in a row, Elena will host its Art Week this September. This event is one of the top things to do in Veliko Tarnovo. It begins on September 13 with a concert-performance titled “Let’s Listen to Cinema.” The event features Hilda Kazasyan, Teodosii Spasov, and Vasil Petrov, along with the Pleven Philharmonic, conducted by Borislav Yotsov. This lineup will surely captivate the audience and is a must-see for visitors.
The 16th edition of Mindya Rock Fest will highlight local talent from the Veliko Tarnovo region, making it a true celebration of homegrown music. The festival’s lineup features BARKS, a band led by Deputy Mayor Neiko Genchev, along with the energetic youth from Error 404. Cold Shot Trio, hailing from Upper Oryahov, and the popular band The Drivers will also take the stage. In addition to these local favorites, the festival will feature performances by Vasko Krpkata, a Bulgarian rock icon, and the Greek band Sakis Dovolis Trio. Regulars like the “Magistri” group, who have played every year at Mindya Rock Fest, will once again captivate the audience, followed by the Plovdiv-based Atoluka Blues Cartel, who are known for their dynamic blues-rock performances.