Regional Food Day in Stara Zagora

The beloved Bedechka Park in Stara Zagora became the stage for the Regional Food Day, organized by SZ REDA – Stara Zagora during the third edition of Bedechka Fest: Go Green. On June 21, SZ REDA's tent near the festival's main stage was visited by dozens of visitors eager to learn more about regional foods, authentic Bulgarian flavors, and how to recognize products that meet European quality standards from possible imitations.

The SZ REDA team explained to visitors the meaning behind the symbols for Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG). These are the official quality labels that protect the names and origins of authentic regional foods across Europe.

To give a real taste of what these labels truly stand for — authentic regional and Bulgarian flavors — we organized a delicious tasting session. Visitors sampled genuine Българско бяло саламурено сирене / Bulgarsko byalo salamureno sirene PDO, Gornooryahovski Sudzhuk (PGI), Bulgarian Yoghurt (PGI) Българско кисело мляко / Bulgarsko kiselo mlуako topped with the unique Strandzha Forest Honey (PDO Странджански манов мед / Strandzhanski manov med / Maнов мед от Странджа / Manov med ot Strandzha) — and many more local delicacies. Everyone enjoyed the local products, chatted with the SZ REDA team, and joined in games and inspiring conversations about the future of food, regional economies, and sustainable consumption. And it was all made possible thanks to our tastiest project yet – SMEOrigin. SMEOrigin.

Children also received educational materials and booklets from the Europe Direct Information Centre – Stara Zagora, which present the work of the European Union and the rights of its citizens in an engaging and accessible way.

During the event, we also shared how, thanks to the exchange of experience with six other European regions within the SMEOrigin project, we have brought to Stara Zagora several good practices that support regional flavors and their producers.

In January 2025, SZ REDA signed two Local Green Deals supporting this direction. The first was with the Creative Collective “Na Ulicata”, organizers of the “Go Green” festival. As part of the agreement, it was decided that regional food producers participating in the festival would receive a special label, drawing visitors’ attention to the value of choosing local products. This initiative was successfully put into practice during the festival.

The second Local Green Deal, inspired by Finland, represents a creative collaboration between culture and cuisine. In partnership with the Stara Zagora State Opera and the Green Hill restaurant, a special themed menu was developed — inspired by classical music masterpieces. Lovers of both culture and good food can also enjoy a discount when visiting the opera and the restaurant within the same month.