Fertility Festival in Kyustendil
04 - 05.10.2015

The fruit-growing tradition of the Kyustendil region has been passed down as experience and culture from generation to generation. Even the ancient autonomous Pautalian coins bear witness to this with their images. The culmination of this region's abundance is celebrated every year in the form of the "Festival of Fertility," where farmers from all over the country gather to celebrate the rich harvest. As early as Konstantin Irechek in his "Travels in Bulgaria," he describes the place as... "a garden of plums, large yellow pears, voluminous juicy apples, sweet cherries and sour cherries, small yellow plums, peaches, medlars, blueberries, walnuts, and many others. Fine vineyards are seen on the hills, the local wine is excellent." The autumn festival is a legacy of the First National Fruit-Growing Competition of 1896, announced by the Kyustendil Municipality and held under the patronage of the Ministry of Trade and Agriculture (at the time).

This year the exhibition took place on October 4th and 5th and showcased artistically arranged fruit displays, various apple varieties from the Institute of Agriculture, as well as an attractive presentation by craftsmen and farmers. The event was accompanied by a scientific session from the Institute of Agriculture, an Investment Forum, a Fertility Carnival, and attractions.

The "Festival of Fertility" also held a competition with awards for the best presentation by participants, which encourages the producers.

Every year, the Municipality's partner is the Institute of Agriculture – Kyustendil. Its director, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Domozetov, as chairman of the commission, evaluates and awards the winners in the competition program.