In the Rhodope Mountains, yogurt is a symbol of health, longevity and tradition. From August 29 to 31, 2025, the village of Momchilovtsi will host the annual Yogurt Festival — a celebration that blends culture, cuisine and Rhodope customs.
The three-day event began on Friday with colorful performances filled with the vibrant spirit of Rhodope folklore. On Saturday, the village square hosted an exhibition of dairy products and local crafts, as well as captivating demonstrations of traditional Bulgarian and Chinese cultural practices. Children took part in a drawing contest and creative workshops. One of the tastiest highlights was the preparation of Rhodope-style beans with porcini mushrooms and a live demonstration of traditional butter churning. The evening ended with a spectacular show titled "The Beauty of the Rhodopes", the " Queen of Yogurt Miss Rhodope" pageant and a concert by singer Esil Duran.
Sunday is dedicated to folklore programs, fun competitions like yogurt speed-eating and ayran-drinking contests. There will also be a culinary show featuring the preparation of kurban chorba (traditional meat soup). Special certificates for longevity will be awarded to guests from China — a symbolic gesture highlighting the connection between the Rhodope yogurt and global traditions of healthy eating.
The festival brings together producers and guests from Bulgaria and abroad, turning Momchilovtsi into a true stage for cultural exchange. The Rhodope village welcomes thousands of visitors who have the chance to taste unique dairy products, take part in workshops and experience the vibrant spirit of the Rhodopes.
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Edited by Veneta NikolovaPublished and translated by Kostadin Atanasov
Photos: festivali.eu; momchilovtsifest.bg;
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