Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Elena Meat Delicacy Festival 2023 is being held for the tenth time

Photo: Local council of Tourism in Elena

There is almost no house in the town of Elena, Veliko Tarnovo region, in which the meat delicacy called "elenski but" is not prepared. People maintain the tradition and prepare the delicacy every year. 

Only the specific climate of the Balkan Range near the town of Elena can give the unique taste of this salted and dried pork leg delicacy. A local holiday is also dedicated to this meat product which this year is being held for the 10th consecutive time (November 10-12). 

Traditionally, the culinary event gathers guests from the country and abroad, as  in 2022 a record of 50,000 visitors was set. The celebration of the delicacy is not just a culinary festival, but an event that has its own atmosphere and spirit, say the organizers from the Municipality of Elena and the Local Council for Tourism. 


On the days of the holiday, the streets are filled with artisans from all over Bulgaria as everyone strives to entice customers with their delicacies. "And the recipe for preparing a dried pork leg at home only looks difficult", says Bai Sava Kovachev.  "The spices and the very salting of the meat in the pot with rock salt are important."‎



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

"Peace Bell" march passes through Bulgaria on its way to Jerusalem

A march called "Peace Bell" passes through Bulgaria. The initiative is from the German union of the same name. The participants firmly believe that ordinary people should make every effort to preserve peace, in times when there are many wars and..

published on 8/8/25 12:06 PM

Balkan developments

Fiscal measures hit households in Romania amid record deficit Romania is entering a difficult economic period, with commentators expecting the crisis to last at least a year. Since August 1, the country has been implementing new fiscal measures to..

published on 8/8/25 11:04 AM

The heart of the Rhodopes celebrates – festival of Devin and mineral water held from August 8 to 10

Devin – the “city of mineral water” is located in one of the most picturesque regions of Bulgaria - the southwestern part of the Rhodopes, along the Vacha River. Dozens of natural and historical landmarks are located in its vicinity..

published on 8/8/25 9:00 AM