site.btaThousands Gather in Apriltsi for Culinary Festival of Bacon and Mulled Rakia
Thousands gathered here on Saturday for the opening of the annual Festival of Bacon and Mulled Rakia [traditional fruit brandy]. The festival's rich programme this weekend includes food tasting, cooking competitions, music and dance performances.
Apriltsi Mayor Tihomir Koukenski said he expects more visitors than last year's 35,000. In his words, the festival aims to preserve traditions and show guests the local recipes for dishes with bacon and how locals make mulled rakia, as well as to support the local economy, 80% of which is based on tourism. "There currently are no vacancies at the accommodation establishments within 30 km of Apriltsi. That is a big plus," he added. This year's edition of the festival is streamed live, Koukenski told BTA.
On Saturday, visitors had the opportunity to try the traditional Granny's Dish, cooked by Chef Plamen Petrov in a huge pan. He used 550 eggs, 30 kg of bacon, 30 kg of red onions, and 30 kg of leeks. Chef Petrov, who was born in Apriltsi, said that this recipe is at least 100 years old.
Also on the programme were competitions for the best mulled rakia and the best bacon, the most attractive appetizer, the most delicious pasta, and the most delicious bacon dish. Traditional bacon dishes were on display for everyone to try.
/DS/
Additional
news.modal.image.header
news.modal.image.text
news.modal.download.header
news.modal.download.text
news.modal.header
news.modal.text