The village of Makariopolsko, district Turgovishte, celebrates St Tryphon’s Day in the old style– on the 14^th of February, informs BTA. The day of the patron saint of vineyards, also known as Trifon Zarezan, is dedicated to wine and feasting. It is a holiday for vine growers and winemakers.

Makariopolsko village, famous for its vineyards, will celebrate the saint with wine tastings and homemade appetizers exhibition. But first, the locals will be keeping an old tradition: the pruning of the vines.

Although the cultivated wine-growing area has shrunk significantly over the last years, the remaining vineyards are still cared for by good farmers, who most often grow Cabernet. There are wine aficionados though, who make white and rosé wines as well.

The festival is organized by “Mincho Ivanov – 1912” National Community Center.

Before noon on February 14, residents and guests will gather at the vineyards by the entrance to the village and they will recreate the custom of pruning the vines.

Later all local wine producers will be taking part in the traditional wine competition. The participants must present their harvest 2021 wines.

The Community center folklore ensemble will be boosting the mood singing songs dedicated to the wine holiday. For the first time there will be a “Grandpa's Appetizer” food exhibition where locals will show their culinary skills in the production of homemade meat delicacies.

The most popular recipes are for homemade salo (delicacy made of cured pork fat) and beef sausage. Since every family use their own secret combination of herbs and spices, the organizers of the exhibition have specified a condition for the participants: all home-made delicacies at the exhibition must come together with a recipe.

Compiled by: Darina Grigorova