Sozopol,Bulgaria – Vice President Iliyana Yotova recently graced the seaside town with her presence,joining the festivities at the annual O-salted Fish Festival. She was welcomed by mayor Tikhomir Yanakiev and Zlatin Atanasov, president of the Sozopol Rotary Club, who together officially opened the event.
Mayor Yanakiev addressed the eager crowd,emphasizing the festival’s significance as a celebration of local culinary tradition. “This is a holiday where our people share the fruits of their labor – the fish they’ve caught and prepared – with friends from all corners of the country,” he said.
Vice President Yotova praised the festival’s unique appeal, highlighting its potential to attract visitors to coastal towns during the typically quieter winter months. “This holiday is a wonderful example of how we can draw people to our lovely seaside destinations even in the off-season,” she remarked.”The idea has already garnered interest from towns along the Danube River.”
The festival was filled with lively music and entertainment, with Uti Bachvarov keeping the energy high throughout the day. He even prepared a special fish soup, adding to the culinary delights on offer.
the O-salted Fish Festival proved to be a resounding success, showcasing the best of Sozopol’s culinary heritage and its warm hospitality.
The charming seaside town of Sozopol, Bulgaria, recently hosted a celebration of all things fishy at the annual O-Salted Fish festival. The event, a delightful blend of culinary artistry and local tradition, drew crowds eager to sample the region’s finest seafood delicacies.
Renowned chef, Dimitar Stoyanov, took center stage, captivating the audience with his culinary prowess. He unveiled a stunning 50-liter cauldron, showcasing his latest creation - Sozopol crisps. Stoyanov also demonstrated the art of filleting a bonito, sharing his expertise with eager onlookers.
“I’m thrilled to be part of this wonderful festival,” Stoyanov remarked. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Sozopol and showcase the incredible flavors of the Black Sea.”
Stoyanov led a distinguished jury, which included Milen Petrov and Hristo Mihailovski, in a challenging tasting competition. Twenty talented artisans from the Sozopol municipality presented their best fish dishes in four categories: veyana, marinated fish, fish salad, and homemade caviar. After careful deliberation, the jury awarded prizes to the most deserving contenders, recognizing their exceptional culinary skills.
“The quality of the entries was truly impressive,” said Petrov. “It was a difficult decision, but we ultimately chose the dishes that best represented the unique flavors and traditions of Sozopol.”
All participants received a special plaque from Mayor Tihomir Yanakiev,commemorating their contribution to the festival. generously, each artisan donated a piece of their culinary creation for a special auction. The proceeds from the auction will support the next edition of O-Salted Fish,ensuring the continuation of this beloved tradition.
the festival wasn’t just about indulging in delicious seafood. Guests were treated to a lively music program and children had the opportunity to participate in a craft studio,creating their own marine-themed souvenirs. The O-Salted Fish festival proved to be a resounding success,celebrating the culinary heritage of Sozopol and bringing the community together in a joyous celebration of all things fishy.
## Bulgarian Vice President Champions Local Tourism with O-Salted Festival Attendance
**SOZOPOL, Bulgaria** – Vice President Iliyana Yotova’s recent visit to the annual O-Salted Fish Festival in Sozopol highlighted the growing importance of gastronomic tourism in Bulgaria. World-Today-News spoke with vice President Yotova following the event to discuss its impact and its potential for boosting local economies, especially during the off-season.
**World-Today-News:** Vice President Yotova, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. The O-Salted Fish Festival seems to be more than just a culinary celebration. What message did you hope to convey by attending this event?
**Vice President Yotova:** my attendance aimed to underscore the vital role festivals like this play in showcasing the unique cultural and culinary heritage of Bulgaria. Sozopol’s O-Salted Fish Festival not only celebrates local traditions and fresh seafood, but it also brings people together and drives tourism, especially during the typically quieter winter months.
**World-Today-news:** You mentioned the off-season tourism potential.Could you elaborate on that?
**Vice President Yotova:** Absolutely. This festival has sparked interest from towns along the Danube River, demonstrating the potential to replicate this model in other regions. By highlighting unique local delicacies and traditions during the off-season, we can attract a steady flow of visitors throughout the year, supporting local businesses and creating new economic opportunities.
**World-Today-News:** What were some of your impressions of the festival itself?
**Vice President Yotova:** It was truly heartwarming to see the enthusiasm and pride the community displayed. The atmosphere was vibrant with lively music,conventional crafts,and of course,delicious salt-cured fish dishes. The energy was contagious,and it’s clear that this festival has become a cherished event for both locals and visitors alike.
**World-Today-News:** Looking ahead, what further steps do you envision to promote this type of tourism initiative further?
**Vice President Yotova:** the government is committed to providing better infrastructure and support for such events. We will continue to work with local communities to promote and amplify these unique cultural experiences. Investing in lasting tourism models like this benefits both the local economies and preserves our rich cultural heritage for future generations.
**World-Today-News:** Thank you again,Vice President Yotova,for your insights.
This interview highlights Vice President Yotova’s support for local gastronomy and its potential to drive tourism during the off-season. By focusing on unique traditions and culinary experiences like the O-Salted Fish Festival, Bulgaria can establish itself as a year-round destination for both domestic and international travelers.
