The sweet magic of Smilets- celebrating the Watermelon Honey Festival

In the Dobrudzha village of Smilets, the watermelon is more than just a fruit – it’s a true legend. On August 30, 2025, the village will host the National Festival of Watermelon Madjun – a sweet elixir that locals also call "watermelon honey". The recipe has been preserved for over two centuries, passed down from generation to generation. It is believed that the finished product can last up to a hundred years without losing its taste or quality.

This year’s festival promises vivid sights, rich aromas and emotion. Visitors will be able to witness the entire process of making madjun live – from slicing juicy watermelons to the final thickening in the pan. The atmosphere will be even more colorful with cheerful contests, including competitions for the largest watermelon and the biggest melon, a workshop for making watermelon lanterns, etc.

The program also includes a rich cultural section – authentic folk songs and dances, an ethnographic exhibition, and a reenactment of everyday life in a Bulgarian home from two centuries ago. The children of Smilets will take part in a colorful parade of folk costumes and traditional jewelry, while at the local market, visitors can discover traditional crafts preserved only in this part of Bulgaria.

This year’s festival features a new special stage for young talents, where children from the region will perform their own songs and poems. There will also be a tasting corner featuring various versions of the madjun – from the classic recipe to modern interpretations in desserts and drinks.

Read also: From watermelon madjun to Dervishovden - Bulgaria's newest Living Human Treasures

Edited by Veneta Nikolova

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Photos: Nezabravka Kirova; festivali.eu