This year again, the Institute of Agriculture in Kyustendil and Kyustendil Municipality are expecting their guests at the end of June to present the diversity of cherry cultivars characteristic of the region. The folklore and artistic programme includes demonstrations of crafts, arranging cherry panels, as well as a free sightseeing tour of the town of Kyustendil. The exhibition of the fruits of orchard labour in Bulgaria started in the town of Kyustendil in 1896, when the First National Pomology Exhibition was established and the town received the title “Mother of Bulgarian Fruit-Growing”.
From 24 to 26 June, a Cherry Festival will be held in Kyustendil, which traditionally presents the Kyustendil region as the Orchard of Bulgaria.
The first day will be held under the motto “The Cherry in Crafts”. Dozens of craftsmen from all over the country will arrange their products in the Town Garden. Works of art dedicated to the cherry will be exhibited – dolls, jewellery, sculptures, icons, masterfully crafted by the skilful hands of artists and craftsmen.
In parallel, the folklore festival “Chereshchitsa rod rodila” will take place. The rich artistic programme is dedicated to the magic of the cherry and its impact on Bulgarian folklore.
The highlight of the festival is the competitive exhibition, in which community centres, non-governmental organizations, associations, kindergartens and schools from Kyustendil and the region take part.
Every year, the partner of the Municipality is the Institute of Agriculture – Kyustendil, which presents the diversity and innovations in cherry production in the Kyustendil region. Director of the Institute is Prof. Dimitar Domozetov, PhD, Chair of the commission for evaluating the participants in the exhibition.
At the end, the winners of the exhibition for the best and most attractive presentation will be determined, and the cherries are distributed and eaten.
PROGRAMME
24 JUNE (FRIDAY)
The Garden in front of Kyustendil Municipality
15:00 – Exhibition and demonstration of crafts
16:00 – Arranging cherry panels
17:30 – Entertainment programme and cherry games – “Mum, Dad and I”
Art Gallery “Vl. Dimitrov–The Master”
18:00 – Exhibition of works by students from the National Academy of Arts, participants in the Plein Air in the village of Shishkovtsi
“Velbazhd” Square
19:00 – Festive concert
25 JUNE (SATURDAY)
The Garden in front of Kyustendil Municipality
9:00 – Cycling tour to the village of Razhdavitsa. A short cycling tour to visit the fertile areas at the foot of the Konyavska Mountain.
10:00 – Exhibition-market of cherries and cherry products
- Exhibition of craftsmen and producers
- Art workshops for children
11:00 – Official opening of the festival
- Presentation of promising cherry cultivars for the country and the region by the Institute of Agriculture – Kyustendil
- Competition for the largest cherry, the most attractive hanger, the most beautiful cherry stand
- Competition for the most original craftwork on the theme of the cherry
- 12:00 – Folklore festival “Chereshchitsa rod rodila”
14:00 – Free sightseeing tour of the town of Kyustendil (guided sightseeing tour of the following sites: Kyustendil Municipality, Cathedral Church “Assumption of the Holy Virgin”, Cell School, Pirgov Tower, Roman Baths, “Ahmed Bey” Mosque, Chifte Bath, Dervish Bath, Art Gallery “Vladimir Dimitrov–The Master”, House Museum “Dimitar Peshev”, Regional Historical Museum)
15:30 – Announcement of the results of the competition for the largest cherry, the most attractive hanger, the most beautiful cherry stand
16:00 – Free sightseeing tour of the town of Kyustendil (guided sightseeing tour of the following sites: Kyustendil Municipality, Cathedral Church “Assumption of the Holy Virgin”, Cell School, Pirgov Tower, Roman Baths, “Ahmed Bey” Mosque, Chifte Bath, Dervish Bath, Art Gallery “Vladimir Dimitrov–The Master”, House Museum “Dimitar Peshev”, Regional Historical Museum)
17:00 – Tourist route to the “Hisarlaka” Forest Park. Visit to the Acropolis of Pautalia.
26 JUNE (SUNDAY)
The Garden in front of Kyustendil Municipality
10:00 – Folklore festival “Chereshchitsa rod rodila”
- Exhibition of craftsmen and producers
- Art workshops for children – arranging hangers and panels
11:00 – Culinary competition “Cherries in the Kitchen”
12:30 – Folklore festival “Chereshchitsa rod rodila”
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