site.btaYogurt Fair Biggest Event in Town of Razgrad, Mayor Dobrev Says

The Yogurt Fair and the Festival of Folk Traditions and Handicrafts are the largest events in the city, said Razgrad Mayor Dobrin Dobrev at the BTA National Press Club in Razgrad during the presentation of the April issue of BTA's LIK magazine, dedicated to Bulgaria's participation in world expos. Dobrev noted that the festival now boasts one of the largest craft exhibitions in the country, bringing together artisans from across Bulgaria at more than 100 booths, with growing public interest each year.

“The idea for the festival was born in 2002, when we aimed to create an event that would promote the folk traditions preserved by the local ethnographic group, the Kapantsi, who are believed to be the oldest Bulgarian population. They have preserved the oldest tradition for making the uniquely flavored homemade yogurt, known as Kapantsi yogurt. It is believed that the Kapantsi produce the best yogurt with a unique and unmatched taste, likely due to specifics in livestock grazing, the preparation method, and climatic factors,” the Mayor explained.

Over the years, the fair's program has expanded to include tastings and competitions of Bulgarian dairy products, as well as culinary exchanges. “Each year we strive to enrich the culinary and sensory experiences of our international guests, most of whom have never tasted tarator (a cold soup made of yoghurt, usually eaten in the summer), by organizing a fun relay race called ‘Make Tarator, Not Terror,’” Dobrev added.

According to him, in recent years Razgrad has repeatedly drawn the interest of Japanese media, which have produced several reports and films about the festival, the local ethnographic community, traditional lifestyle, and yogurt.

“As organizers, Razgrad Municipality aims each year to expand the international interest in the event and its network of partners related to yogurt production. This year, we have sent invitations to the Chinese and Japanese ambassadors, as well as to the state-owned enterprise LB Bulgaricum EAD, hoping they will also host a booth in Razgrad. I take this opportunity to invite all of you this July to experience the unique atmosphere and immerse yourselves not only in Bulgarian traditions and culture, but also in international customs,” Dobrev said.

He pointed out that the fair is organized by Razgrad Municipality in partnership with all local cultural institutions, youth development centers, community centers, businesses, and other NGOs.

Svetlin Simeonov, a director at the Regional Administration of Razgrad, emphasized that some of the most significant tourist sites reflecting the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage include the Abritus Archaeological Reserve, the Interactive Museum, the Sboryanovo area near Isperih — home to the UNESCO-listed Thracian Royal Tomb of Sveshtari — and the restored Ibrahim Pasha Mosque. He also mentioned the Voden-Iri Hisar State Game Reserve, which, in his words, can rightfully be called a symbol of hunting in Bulgaria.

“The Yogurt Fair is undoubtedly our most prominent cultural event. These landmarks draw an increasing number of tourists each year. Alongside them, we strive to ensure Razgrad Municipality’s cultural calendar is rich and filled with events that cater to different audiences and include diverse initiatives to boost tourism even further,” said Katerina Ganeva, head of the Culture, Tourism, and International Relations Department at Razgrad Municipality.

“We consider this event — the presentation of LIK magazine’s April issue on Bulgaria and world expos — a recognition of the cultural and scientific legacy we leave on the global stage. World expositions are showcases of nations. For us, as a university, they are an opportunity to demonstrate Bulgarian intellect, creativity, and spirit. We believe that joint efforts by institutions like BTA, academia, and the state help shape a sustainable international image of Bulgaria. We wish the LIK magazine team many more inspiring issues and thank them for the invitation and trust,” said Kolyu Mindov, a student from the Razgrad branch of Ruse University.