Autumn Fruits of Kyustendil

The cancelled, due to the epidemiological situation, „Festival of Fertility“ 2021 found its artistic resonance in the art project „Autumn Fruits of Kyustendil”.

25 captivating photographs dedicated to the autumn fertility of Kyustendil succeed in transporting us into the abundance and beauty of this region.

The photographic project by Vladislav Chanev „Autumn Fruits of Kyustendil” presents 25 maidens and women from the region, dressed in authentic folk costumes, holding in their hands the richness of the autumn harvest. The photographs are executed in the tradition of the most emblematic stylistics of the Kyustendil fine arts school and are inspired by the timeless canvases of Vladimir Dimitrov – The Master.

The project is a joint work of the photographer Vladislav Chanev and the artist Evgeni Serafimov, together with the support of Kyustendil Municipality and 25 community cultural centres (chitalishta) from the municipality.

The Festival of Fertility

“The Festival of Fertility”, held during one of the most colourful seasons of the year at the beginning of October, has been established over the years as a festival of abundance in the fruit-growing region of Kyustendil.

The history of the festival dates back to as early as 1896, when the First National Fruit-Growing Competition was held in the town.

The event has been held annually since 2008 and is organized by Kyustendil Municipality, jointly with the Institute of Agriculture – Kyustendil, which each year presents dozens of apple varieties grown and cultivated in the region. This year the event was cancelled due to the severe epidemiological situation in the country.

The fruit-growing tradition of the Kyustendil area gives farmers every autumn the opportunity to sell their quality produce directly to consumers, while artisans and traders from Kyustendil and the region present their works of art.

A rich artistic programme and beautifully arranged stands with fruit and vegetables delight visitors.  A competition is held for the most beautifully arranged stand and the largest apple. Every year culinary experts from across the country are special guests of the event. The guests of the "Festival of Fertility" enjoy themselves in sports zones and themed art workshops with animators.

This year the festival does not lose its charm, but takes a new path through the photographic eye of Vladislav Chanev, inspired by the eternal works of Vladimir Dimitrov – The Master and by the autumn abundance of the harvest in the Kyustendil region.

View the gallery of the art project „Autumn Fruits of Kyustendil”