Municipalities today

From 18 to 20 September, Kyustendil will host its traditional Festival of Fertility. This year’s edition marks the 130th anniversary of Bulgaria’s first fruit-growing exhibition, which laid the foundations for the country’s national agricultural exhibitions and established the city’s reputation as the “Orchard of Bulgaria”.

In the days before the official opening, the festival moved beyond the city square and reached people in their homes. For another consecutive year, Kyustendil Municipality organised its “Festival of Fertility for All” social campaign, visiting more than 100 disadvantaged residents in the city and other settlements across the municipality.

They received fruit, warm baked goods and juices from local producers. Alongside the gifts, the most valuable part remained the personal contact, time spent together, conversations and kind words—small gestures that remind people that someone is thinking of them and that no one has been forgotten.

The initiative involved Kyustendil Mayor Eng. Ognyan Atanasov, Municipal Council Chair Dimitar Velinov and Raya Tsoneva, holder of the “Kyustendil Spring Maiden” title, together with representatives of social services and campaign partners.

Among the residents visited were people who still remember the Festival of Fertility from decades ago—the tables laden with fruit, the colourful stalls, visitors from nearby villages and the celebration that brought the entire community together. Some of them are no longer able to come to the city square, so this year the festival came to them.

These encounters reveal the true meaning of tradition. It is not only what we remember, but also what we do today to preserve it and pass it on. Every harvest is the result of people’s hard work, care and perseverance, while the true value of abundance lies in the willingness to share it.

The campaign was supported by Kyustendil Municipality’s Assistant Support social service, the Home Care Centre and the Personal Assistance Mechanism Unit. It also received support from Milen Georgiev, Manager of MEI Fruits Ltd.; Bulgarplod Kyustendil natural juices from the Bagra locality; Georgi Razsipiyski; and the municipal enterprise School Catering and Social Patronage.

Thanks to these joint efforts, the Festival of Fertility reached more than 100 homes and demonstrated that a true celebration is one in which no one is forgotten.

The festive programme begins on Friday, 18 September, at 5:00 pm in Velbazhd Square with art workshops for children. A concert by the band Atlas will begin at 7:30 pm.

At the same time, a public painting event entitled “The Colours of Kyustendil” will begin in the park next to the Vladimir Dimitrov – The Master Art Gallery. Professional artists from Kyustendil and students from The New Masters art school will take part. A visual and musical performance featuring Yana Karuba on saxophone, Andrey Rusev on violin and Emanuil Peshev on keyboards is scheduled for 9:00 pm.

The official opening will take place on Saturday, 19 September, at 11:00 am in Velbazhd Square. Kyustendil Mayor Eng. Ognyan Atanasov will welcome participants and guests.

The Institute of Agriculture – Kyustendil will present different apple varieties, while the programme will continue with the 23rd Golden Apples International Children’s Music Festival and a folklore celebration.

From 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, visitors will be able to explore the “Fertility in the Kyustendil Region” exhibition, featuring artistically arranged displays of fruit and vegetables. Art studios and creative workshops will be available for children.

The highlight of Saturday’s programme will be a festive concert beginning at 8:00 pm, featuring DJ THEO & FYRE, Nikolina Chakardakova and the Nevrokop Dance Ensemble.

On Sunday, 20 September, the “Fertility in the Kyustendil Region” exhibition will continue from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm in Velbazhd Square. The programme includes demonstrations and presentations of homemade preserves, a Children’s Carnival of Fertility, Olympic games under the motto “Eat, Move and Be”, and theatre and animation activities for children.

Throughout the three-day festival, the city centre will become a space for culture, traditions and local flavours. Visitors will be able to explore an art exhibition, the “Living Places in the Kyustendil Region” avenue, a craft market and an exhibition featuring artisans and agricultural producers. Dedicated areas for food and beverages, relaxation and photographs will also be provided.