Salted Fish Festival – Culinary traditions and stars in Sozopol

The enchanting seaside views of Sozopol captivate tourists, but outside the summer season, the ancient town attracts visitors from Bulgaria and abroad with a rich calendar of diverse events. The festive program organized by the Municipality of Sozopol in the last month of the year begins on December 5, when the Christmas tree lights will be ceremoniously switched on.

On St. Nicholas Day (December 6), there will be a procession to the harbor, and boats will go out to sea for the traditional wreath-throwing ceremony. A special key will be “sent flying” into the waters, symbolically locking the sea and paying tribute to sailors and fishermen who have lost their lives.

On Saturday at noon, there will be a colorful culinary show featuring the preparation of a giant paella, which everyone can taste. It will be prepared by Nikolay Todorov-Nik, the first Bulgarian to enter the Top 10 at the 2024 World Paella Competition in Valencia.

He is also part of the jury that, on the following day (December 7), will evaluate the contestants in a special competition during the fifth edition of the Salted Fish Festival. The best followers of Sozopol’s centuries-old tradition of preparing salted and dried fish will be awarded.

“Following the official opening of the festival at Kulata Square, the Salted Fish competition will begin, featuring categories such as salted fish, salted dried fish, salted marinated fish, canned fish, and tarama caviar. At the same time, there will be an art bazaar with local artists showcasing souvenirs, handmade crafts, and marine-themed paintings. Local restaurateurs will present their interpretations of traditional seafood recipes. Later, during his masterclass, Chef Boris Petrov will reveal an ancient recipe for salted fish in a special sauce that he discovered”, Violeta Georgieva from the Culture Department of the Municipality of Sozopol told Radio Bulgaria.

A special guest at the festival on Sunday will be the charismatic Toni Dimitrova. The singer, born in nearby town of Burgas, will treat the audience in Sozopol to some of her most popular songs. This year’s edition of the Salted Fish Festival is organized with the support of the Municipality of Sozopol, the “Otets Paisiy 1896” Community Center, and the local Rotary Club.

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Photos: Municipality of Sozopol; personal archive, Salted Fish Festival