The Rhodope village of Smilyan is bound to become world famous. The village, known for growing the gigantic Smilyan species of beans, is striving at the Guinness Book of Records with a curious achievement. The idea of making the world’s largest mosaic made of beans was born five years ago, and the first results are already visible. A remarkable work of art depicting the landscape of the Rhodope Mountain is taking shape in the local community center. Smilyan residents hope that the work will be completed within a year and assessed by a commission of experts from the Guinness Book of Records.

An interesting fact is that each resident of Smilyan can take part in the creation of the mosaic by gluing a bean with his or her own hands and sign in a special book. The idea is that each individual bean is put by a different person. So far, in addition to the excited residents of Smilyan, many guests of the village have also contributed to the idea, including the US ambassador to Bulgaria, James Warlick.
Visitors are all attracted to this region by its wild nature, cozy local houses, warm hospitality and of course, delicious beans specialties. The people in Smilyan can tell you plenty of recipes how to cook the typical species of beans grown there, starting with traditional beans soups dressed with the incredible varieties of parsley growing in abundance on the steep slopes of the Rhodopes. Healthy salads with beans and other homegrown vegetables are also a must on the menu, as well as the unconventional beans sweet creams and even cakes with beans.

The Smilyan bean is undre the special protection of the Slow Food international movement

However, what makes this type of beans so special is not only its taste, but also the fact that it is 100 percent organically grown. Тhat’s why it has been protected by the Slow Food International Movement for Healthy Eating. It is small wonder that this beans species has turned into the tourist emblem of the region, and the gigantic bean mosaic exhibited in the local community center is one of the most interesting attractions there. Everyone wants to see it and make a contribution by gluing a bean themselves.

The mosaic itself covers an area of 8 square meters, and when completed, it will contain some 2 million beans, Asya Deyanova, secretary at the Smilyan Community Center, told Radio Bulgaria.
“This mosaic depicts all things that Smilyan is proud of. You will see local clock tower represented in beans, as well as the ancient Roman bridges, Deyanova further explains. An ancient Roman road crossed our village in the past, and for this reason so many bridges were built over the Arda River and its tributaries. The bean mosaic also depicts a plough, the tool used for centuries to till the lands and grow beans. Other images depict local natural landmarks, beautiful pine trees, rivers, etc. Everyone can participate in setting the Guinness record by gluing a bean into the mosaic. This year, we will invite Guinness Book officials to see our project and when it is completed, a commission will arrive to assess it, and hopefully, include it into the Guinness Book of Records”, Asya Deyanova says.

Visitors to the local community center can also see the permanent exhibition displaying other bean mosaics of smaller size, as well as hand-woven fabrics showing the vivid colors of the beautiful Rhodope Mountain scenery. 

Translated by: Rossitsa Petcova