Stuffed peppers are a traditional dish in Bulgaria. In the coming days, the first festival dedicated to this special dish will take place.

The Stuffed Pepper Festival will bring together residents and guests of the town of Levski on August 31 to try the traditional dish, which is very popular there. That is why the municipality and the community center that are organizers of the event have decided to make the stuffed pepper a trademark of their festival.

“When we were thinking about what kind of culinary festival to create for the pleasure of citizens and guests to the town, we did not hesitate much because stuffed peppers are traditional dish at our fair,” Mayor Lyubka Alexandrova says. “In other words, you haven’t been to Levski unless you tried the stuffed peppers prepared by the local hosts. So, the Stuffed Pepper Festival will contribute to the cheerful mood in the city at the end of August. And in fact the title of the festival ‘Stuffed Pepper – the most delicious tradition of town of Levski’ explains everything.”

The stuffed peppers prepared in the region of Levski are usually red and roasted – the rest are family secrets, passed down from mother to daughter.

“The history of stuffed peppers not only in the city but also in the area, is long because the dish can be seen in different forms and variations,” the mayor adds. “Our festival will try to focus on both modernity and traditions and will include a contest for the most authentic and the most unique recipe, so everyone will be able to present their vision for the best stuffed pepper. The standard recipe includes minced meat, rice and the magic of spices that are different for each family. There are also variations - like stuffed peppers with bulgur and meat. So we expect surprises, as there are as many households in the area with their own recipes for stuffed peppers.”

In addition to learning about the variety of stuffed peppers, festival guests will have fun with a variety of activities – there will be games for children and adults will compete in fast stuffing of the peppers. Jury in the culinary competitions will be actress Katerina Evro, who is also known for her great cooking skills.

And since the festival will be held simultaneously with the traditional fair, the town is expected to be full of guests and people who come from far and near to their native town.

“The magic of the holiday creates great atmosphere as it focuses many emotions, brings friends and relatives together. And because the mood is fueled by shared love, it is the best seasoning for the stuffed peppers. Generally, people need to be together and feel part of hometown traditions. This is a way to integrate people and teach children the same customs. I am glad that we have found the formula and I hope that we will establish a good tradition with the festival so that we can exchange recipes and good mood every year.

The four- day festival in Levski also includes lots of music. Rap artists Itso Hazarta and Upsurt, bands Diana Express and Tonika SV and folk singer Reni will take part in the festivities. Organizers promise that there is no chance of someone staying hungry at the festival.

English: Alexander Markov