The Festival of Elena Dry-Cured Ham which will take place from October 24 to 26 in the town of Elena, offers a rich folklore program, competitions, demonstrations and tastings, the organizers from the Municipality of Elena and the Local Tourism Council announced. In addition to enjoying the prepared surprises, guests will also be able to capture their memories in a specially designated photo corner.

The event will begin with a multi-genre musical program, followed the next day by the official opening at Hristo Botev Square, featuring local folklore ensembles and guest performers, including singers Petya Paneva and Gloria. In the evening, the sky over Elena will light up with festive fireworks.

Visitors will have the chance to join a parade carrying a 124-meter Bulgarian flag, led by the Etropole Brass Band, take part in a culinary show, taste locally produced wine and a slice of the largest banitsa made with Elena dry-cured ham.

For centuries, the local people have been producing this distinctive delicacy from pork legs, which are salted and buried in a pit filled with embers. After 45 days, the meat is taken out and left to dry, BTA reported.

• The Pork Ham Festival in Elena attracts visitors from near and far to the culinary region in the Balkans

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Photo: BTA-archive