On March 22^nd and 23^rd, the small town of Devin lying in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains will play host to the first-of-its-kind Festival of Rhodope Food “Rhodopska Ugodia” held under the patronage of the town mayor Krasimir Daskalov.

“The idea was born gradually”, says Annie Nikolova, one of the festival organizers. “For several years we have been working in Devin on various projects, and we have often tried dishes from the local traditional cuisine. Admiring every single dish, in discussions with representatives of the local restaurant and hotel business, the idea of a festival was born, which would popularize the unique gastronomic tastes of the Rhodope Mountains among people throughout the country and why not also abroad.”

During the festival, residents from Devin and the surrounding villages as well as professional chefs from local restaurants will prepare traditional dishes from the Rhodope cuisine in front of an audience. Which are the most popular specialties from this region that festival visitors will be able to taste?

“First comes “patatnik” – a potato dish in which different products can be added. Then we have “branza” –a dairy product based on a special recipe, something between cheese and cottage cheese, which looks like a very thick yogurt but tastes different from anything else we have tried. It's hard to describe, one simply needs to try it”, Anny Nikolova explains. “Another traditional dish is called “marudnik”, which is prepared like pancakes, but with yogurt, not with milk, and is served with cheese or jam. The Rhodope Mountain are also known for the various types of “kachamak” – a dish made of corn flour or semolina to which potatoes and a lot of butter are added. “Skiripaletz” is the name of all the spring leafy vegetables which are cooked in the Rhodope Mountains with rice or potatoes. All of these dishes are usually served with yogurt, because dairy products are very typical for this region.”

Local producers will offer cheese, yoghurt, a variety of berries jams, fragrant honey, as well as mursalski tea known to be beneficial for health and longevity. The culinary festival will be joined also by students from the specialized culinary schools from around the country.

During these two days the culinary art will be combined with music, dances and entertainment against the backdrop of the unique mountain scenery which, according to legend, was the birthplace of the mythical singer Orpheus who was capable of captivating people and animals with his magic music.

„First of all, of course, guests will be able to enjoy traditional Rhodopean bagpipes”, promises Annie Nikolova. “Nothing happens in the Rhodopes, as people say, neither good nor bad, without the sound of the bagpipe. Traditional performers from this region are “Devin” bagpipe band conducted by Emil Cholakov, the beloved folk singer Miglena Berkrieva who is also our partner in the organization of the festival. There will be representatives from the surrounding villages and performers from all over the country, who will not only show the traditional folklore of their region, but will also bring some dishes so we can taste delicacies also from other parts of Bulgaria.“

The festival organizers have put food at the forefront because it is a symbol of pleasure. But not only. It is part of the whole atmosphere in this region.

„We want to show how unique and distinctive the traditions in the Rhodopes are. Everything there creates a magical atmosphere that cannot be described in words, it has to be felt in place. The tastes are really astounding. I have tried things that cannot be tasted anywhere else, because none of the local people is giving away their secrets”, says Annie Nikolova. “You cannot eat the same dish in two different places and get the same taste. That's why it's worth trying many times. So we invite everyone to come to the festival to have fun, to warm our souls at the beginning of spring and delight together in the magical atmosphere of the Rhodopes.”

English Rossitsa Petcova