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.
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.
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 Veliko Tarnovo festival will happen in November. Within two days there will be a very rich program with visiting culinary stars, various entertainment. Also there will be a culinary challenges for parents and children, and tastings of the famous Gornooryahovski meals.
This is not only a culinary event, we want it to have an educational effect as well. During these two days, the children will learn something more about the history of the city. About the traditions on which our today’s culture is based, explains Petya Ivanova. Her idea is to add this festival to the cultural program of the Municipality.