Vratsa Hosts Inaugural Bulgarian Cheese and Dairy Festival
Source: dairynews.today
A unique festival in Vratsa, Bulgaria celebrates traditional and exotic dairy products including donkey and mare cheese.

The city of Vratsa in Bulgaria is hosting its first ever two-day cheese and dairy festival, spotlighting a range of dairy offerings from conventional goat, cow, and sheep cheese to the more exotic donkey and mare cheese.
Visitors will be treated to a Vratsa-style breakfast featuring mekitsi—a sweet pastry served with cheese. Highlights of the festival include a demonstration of white brined cheese making, a masterclass led by chef Svetlana Ilieva, and competitions featuring traditional dishes like lyutika, as well as a painting contest centered around dairy themes. A bazaar will showcase Bulgarian cheeses, traditional sweets, wines, and eco-friendly products. For the first time, consumers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite producer.
A scientific forum will also offer insights and project proposal opportunities for farmers and processors, with presentations on donkey milk and Bulgarian dairy. Musical performances by Rumyana Popova, Raina, and the Pirin duo will add to the festivities. This cultural event is organized by the Bulgarian Traditional Dairy Products Association and supported financially by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Municipality of Vratsa.
Visitors will be treated to a Vratsa-style breakfast featuring mekitsi—a sweet pastry served with cheese. Highlights of the festival include a demonstration of white brined cheese making, a masterclass led by chef Svetlana Ilieva, and competitions featuring traditional dishes like lyutika, as well as a painting contest centered around dairy themes. A bazaar will showcase Bulgarian cheeses, traditional sweets, wines, and eco-friendly products. For the first time, consumers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite producer.
A scientific forum will also offer insights and project proposal opportunities for farmers and processors, with presentations on donkey milk and Bulgarian dairy. Musical performances by Rumyana Popova, Raina, and the Pirin duo will add to the festivities. This cultural event is organized by the Bulgarian Traditional Dairy Products Association and supported financially by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Municipality of Vratsa.