Beans, sausages and folk tunes: A colourful feast in the village of Zhitnitsa

The second annual Bean and Sausage Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of flavour and folklore in Zhitnitsa, a village in southern Bulgaria.

On 7 September, the grounds of the local equestrian centre will host food lovers keen to enjoy classic bean and sausage dishes, prepared with traditional skill. Zhitnitsa is renowned for its authentic sausages, which are made using long-standing recipes that have become a local specialty.

The festivities begin in the morning with lively DJ sets, followed by performances from community ensembles. TV chef Uti Bachvarov will get everyone's appetites going with a live cooking show, and the Trigaida Project, Elika Dance and singer Valeriya Momchilova will take to the stage and transport guests back to the dances and songs of bygone days. Highlights will include dazzling performances by the Olympia folk group and the renowned Filip Kutev Ensemble.

As the day draws to a close, visitors can enjoy an open-air cinema screening under the stars — the perfect finale to a celebration filled with hearty food, a warm atmosphere and unforgettable music. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to enjoy a beer, share some laughter, and of course sample the region's tastiest beans and sausages.