'From the sprout to the summit: seeds are the heart of the 12th "Bulgarian Seed" Festival in Sevlievo

On April 25 and 26, the „Kazarmite“ Park in Sevlievo once again became a vibrant hub of Bulgarian spirit, crafts, and flavors. The twelfth edition of the national festival „Bulgarian Seed“, organized by the „Ot BG“ Foundation and the Municipality of Sevlievo, set a clear and profound mission: to preserve the most valuable aspects of our past in order to sow them into the future.

Although the event always offers a rich musical program and dozens of exhibitors, the true heart of the festival was focused on preserving authentic Bulgarian seeds and varieties.

The Hive: A Home for Seeds of Human Height

One of the most powerful symbols of this year's edition was the initiative „The Hive – A Home for Seeds“. This is a specially constructed space of human height, created with a single purpose: the exchange of life.

Inside, visitors found packets of various seeds from sustainable Bulgarian varieties. The seeds were collected with the help of the Agricultural Academy, local community centers, volunteers, and organizations. Each guest could take seeds for their garden completely free of charge or leave some to continue the chain of continuity.

Saving Old Varieties: The Mission of the „PoleRani“ Network

Special attention at the festival was given to the National Network for the Preservation of Heritage Varieties „PoleRani“. The organization already unites over 700 people, scientific institutes, and community seed libraries, working tirelessly to bring old varieties back to Bulgarian yards.

In its research base, the network is already testing over 200 varieties of traditional seeds from more than 50 species of vegetable crops. Among their „treasures“ are tomato seeds grown in the royal residence „Vrana“ (awarded in 1942) and „frentsi“ type tomatoes, whose variety has been maintained for a whole century in the Plovdiv region.

At the festival, visitors also had the opportunity to taste old grape varieties used to produce authentic wines such as Shefka, Kokorko, Gamza...

Very soon, the network will also publish an official catalog of local traditional varieties, accompanied by a map of biodiversity in Bulgaria. In addition to caring for nature, on the Sunday of the festival, partners from „Gorata.bg“ gifted guests 12,000 plants.

Bread, Traditions, and the Future

The festival covers the journey from seed to table. The traditional competition under the motto „No One is Greater than Bread“ proves this, with this year's grand prize going to the „Prosveta“ Community Center from the village of Gradishte, and the most beautiful loaf being the work of the „Probuda“ Community Center from the village of Burya. The Deputy Mayor of Sevlievo, Krasimira Yordanova, emphasized that these creations achieve perfect harmony between history, beauty, and taste.

The event not only preserves history but also literally creates life. Through a charitable initiative in partnership with the „I Want a Baby“ Foundation, funds are raised for families facing reproductive issues.

Inspiration from Distinguished Figures

The festival was inaugurated by physicist Teodosiy Teodosiev (Teacher Theo), and during the event, a print of his right hand was taken, which will mark the beginning of a future alley of gifted individuals in Sevlievo. His message, supported by the screening of the film „The Socially Strong“, is clear: truly strong is the one who achieves success through their own efforts and hard work, rather than waiting for handouts.

A Living Community and a Rich Farmers' Market

Over 80 agricultural producers, farmers, artisans, and craftspeople filled the park with authentic products – from herbs and flowers to wine and handmade items. Guests took part in workshops on kneading spelt bread, weaving, creating embroidery, and calligraphy. The musical program complemented the atmosphere with performances by the Severnyashki Ensemble „Ivan Vulev“, the band „Nevideno“, The Three Tenors, and Poli Paskova.

„Bulgarian Seed“ is not just an event, but an experience and a mission. It is a reminder that if we want to have a future, we must preserve our roots, because, as the festival's cause states: from the sprout to the top, everything must be Bulgarian.