February 1^st is one of the most important days for the residents of Assenovgrad or Stanimaka as the town was called until 1934. As inheritors of ancient vine-growing and wine-making traditions, local people cherish their patron Trifon Zarezan (St. Trifon the Pruner) and have always marked his feast accordingly. This year, the celebrations lasted for three days - from January 30 to February 1. The rich and varied program drew almost all locals as well as numerous guests - friends of Assenovgrad and the beautiful Stanimashko wine.

A highlight in the feast was the unveiling of the monument to Aristi Chorbadzhaka (1886-1958) - a prominent manufacturer and trader of wine, who, according to the inscription on the pedestal, was “a legendary winemaker praised in songs while he was alive, a person who brought the glory of Assenovgrad Mavrud and the Stanimaka Malaga far beyond the region”. It is said, however, that actually Chorbadzhaka’s sister was the true master who knew the secret recipe of the Malaga wine, and her brother exported the legendary wine worldwide. The monument is located on the Bachkovsko road, a few meters from the place where the famous Chorbadzhaka cellar once was, still preserved to this day in the foundations of a Socialist-era apartment building.

Another attractive place in Assenovgrad is the Ethnographic House, where another contest for Stanimashki stuffed vine leaves was held - a famed local specialty. While the competent jury was assessing the tiny delicacies, actresses from the theater group at the Patriotism 1873 community center played out fun scenes from the daily life of the local dames of the early 20^th century. Prizes were awarded in two categories: for stuffed vine leaves and stuffed cabbage. There was also wine freely pouring down from the fountain in the courtyard of the Ethnographic House.

A little later the "miracle" was repeated also in front of the church to the Annunciation of the Theotokos. After a solemn service and a water-blessing ceremony before the icon of St. Trifon, the water from the church fountain "turned" into wine. Amidst music and with drinks in their hands, people followed the icon in a colorful procession to the town square. A highlight in the festive evening was the competition for the best homemade wine. This year, the winner was Nicola Zhilov – an old master vintner from the nearby village of Brestnik.

The celebration continued with songs and dances and the famous chef and actor Uti Bachvarov cooked a giant Mavrud kavarma for all attendees. It was said that the huge pan was made from the front of an old locomotive. The kavarma (a traditional Bulgarian meat dish) was again accompanied by a few barrels of wine - a gift from the local wine makers, which of course contributed to the overall good mood. Significantly, Assenovgrad locals spoke of “a town intoxicated”, which occurs on Saint Trifon’s day.

On the last day of the festivities residents and visitors of the town went up to the locality of Saint Trifon close to Assenovgrad. Besides attending the festive service and lighting candles in the chapel of the saint, they watched a live traditional wrestling contest held on February 1.

English version: Rossitsa Petcova