Apriltsi welcomes visitors for Slanina and Mulled Rakia Festival

The central Bulgarian town of Apriltsi is preparing to welcome visitors to its annual Slanina and Mulled Rakia Festival. This celebration showcases slanina, a traditional cured pork fat, and mulled rakia, a winter beverage made by heating the spirit with honey or caramelised sugar. The festival will feature traditional cuisine and a rich programme of folklore events.

Speaking to the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), Apriltsi mayor Tihomir Kukenski said the 14th edition of the festival will take place on 7 and 8 February in the mountain town in Bulgaria’s Lovech region.

The festivities will begin with a performance by the Chelopeshki Polah bagpipe ensemble, opening a line-up of live music performances. During the two-day event, chef Plamen Vinchev will cook the festival's signature dish, 'Babina gozba' (grandmother's dish), in a large pan using 1,000 eggs, 60 kilograms of slanina, and 60 kilograms of leeks.

On the second day, visitors will be able to sample another local speciality: Apriltsi-style beans with slanina and porcini mushrooms. There will also be competitions for the “Most Tender Slanina” and the “Smoothest Rakia”.

The festival traditionally attracts thousands of visitors from across the country who come to enjoy local delicacies, warm, aromatic mulled rakia and the lively, festive atmosphere.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova
Posted in English by E. Radkova