The Cherry Festival is a beloved annual event held in the town of Kyustendil at the end of June. As its name suggests, the festival is a vibrant celebration of all things cherry, featuring cherry-inspired foods, art, music, and much more, all dedicated to this cherished fruit.
What is the Cherry Festival in Kyustendil?
During the Cherry Festival Kyustendil transforms into a lively hub of culture, music, and flavor. Concerts by music and dance groups fill the town with energy, while the City Garden showcases a stunning array of cherry varieties from producers across the country. You do not need to buy a ticket, the event is free! Traditional competitions take place, including ones for the largest cherry, the most original cherry-themed panel, and the best-decorated cherry stand. Culinary demonstrations and fun cherry-related contests continue throughout the weekend.
Visitors can stroll down a street dedicated to traditional crafts, and the evenings wrap up with live musical performances. The program is rich in culture and entertainment, offering everything from cherry masterpieces to mouth-watering local treats. Locals and visitors alike enjoy sampling the many cherry varieties grown in the fertile lands surrounding Kyustendil, where cherries are more than a fruit, they’re a tradition.
The Bulgarian Cherries
The Bulgarian Hrushtyalka is a distinguished cherry variety developed by the Agricultural Institute in Kyustendil. This variety stands out with its large, dark red fruits that have a glossy, attractive skin and an irresistible appeal. The cherries offer a superb balance of sweet and sour flavors, making them a favorite among both growers and consumers. What makes the Bulgarian Hrushtyalka truly unique, however, is the texture of its flesh. It is described as dense, almost cartilage-like providing a satisfying, crisp bite that sets it apart from other varieties. Hrusthtyal mens cartilage in Bulgarian. This firmness also makes the cherries ideal for transport and longer storage without compromising quality. Cultivated with care in one of Bulgaria’s most fertile fruit-growing regions, the Bulgarian Hrushtyalka reflects the deep-rooted traditions and agricultural expertise of Kyustendil. Enjoyed fresh, in desserts, or as part of local culinary creations, this cherry variety gains recognition for its exceptional qualities and rich flavor and you can enjoy it amon other varieties at the Cherry Festival in Kyustendil!
Eat Cherries to Your Heart’s Content!
Cherry creations at the festival are a feast for the eyes and the taste. One of the highlights is an exhibition of cherry varieties developed at the Institute of Agriculture in Kyustendil and cultivated by local farmers. After the best and most beautifully presented cherries are selected, the bounty is shared and enjoyed by all.
In previous years, one memorable surprise was the preparation of 1500 cherry-flavored ice creams using liquid nitrogen. It was crafted by some of Bulgaria’s top pastry chefs. The result was a spectacular treat that delighted guests of all ages.
What else can you combine Kyustendil and the Cherry Festival with?
Beyond the festival, Kyustendil offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. You can explore Roman and Ottoman-era baths, medieval fortresses and towers, as well as churches, mosques, and National Revival-style houses. With its charming parks, fertile orchards, and scenic Hisarlaka hill, the city is perfect for a relaxed stroll or a historical exploration.
Famous since Roman times for its healing mineral springs, Kyustendil is home to the remains of Roman baths that are still a major attraction. During the Ottoman era, beautifully designed public bathhouses such as Chifte Banya, Dervish Banya, and Alai Banya (later known as Voynishka Banya) became central to city life. Today, these sites allow visitors to step back in time and experience centuries-old traditions of wellness and cleanliness.
In addition to these architectural gems, the town is dotted with religious and cultural landmarks, and has earned a strong reputation as a destination for health and rehabilitation. One of Bulgaria’s top hospitals for rehabilitation is located here, welcoming both Bulgarian and international patients. Treatments offered include mud therapy, balneotherapy, salt therapy, and more.
Where to Stay in Kyustendil?
Kyustendil offers a wide range of hotels and rental apartments, but they tend to fill up quickly during the Cherry Festival. To ensure a comfortable stay, it’s best to book your accommodation well in advance.
Spa Hotel Kyustendil is Often Recommended
This modern hotel meets contemporary standards and offers a year-round mineral water pool that guests can enjoy at no extra charge. For children, there’s a dedicated play area and water attractions near the pool. The hotel is also a popular venue for business conferences and family celebrations, so it’s best to book early, especially around festival dates.
Guests can also take advantage of healing spa procedures under medical supervision. Even if you choose to stay elsewhere, you can still access the spa center’s treatments with a dedicated package.
Strimon Garden Wins the Hearts of Visitors
Strimon Garden Hotel is a true gem, known for its naturally ionized mineral water that offers incredible benefits for the body.
The spa center provides a variety of wellness packages even for day visitors. However, staying overnight adds a special touch of relaxation to the experience.
The water at Strimon Gargen is truly exceptional year-round. The outdoor pool stays at a comfortable 29°C, while thermal pools are maintained at 32°C and 38°C. Hydromassage jets enhance the experience, and there are two children’s pools kept at 34°C and 36–38°C which is perfect for young swimmers looking for fun and comfort.
Kyustendil offers many more hotels and guesthouses, making it easy to find the perfect spot to unwind during your visit.
How Did the Cherry Festival Come About?
Cherries have been a meaningful part of life in this region for centuries. The tradition of celebrating the cherry harvest dates back to 1896, when Kyustendil hosted Bulgaria’s first national fruit-growing exhibition and was honored with the title “Mother of Bulgarian Fruit-Growing.” The festival, as we know it today, has been celebrated annually since 2008.
These special June days honor Kyustendil’s long-standing reputation as the Orchard of Bulgaria and highlight the cultural and agricultural richness of the region.
What is Special About Cherries?
Cherries have played a significant role in cultures around the world. In ancient Rome, gardeners valued them so highly that cherries were included in soldiers’ rations. General Lucius Lucullus even marked his military victories with cherry feasts.
In Christian iconography, cherries are often depicted as part of the Gardens of Eden. The Infant Jesus is sometimes shown holding cherries, symbolizing innocence and divine favor. From the Middle East and Asia, cherries made their way to Europe and became embedded in folklore. In England, planting a cherry tree near the home is believed to bring good luck. In Japan, cherry blossoms represent the samurai spirit, symbolizing sacrifice and the fleeting beauty of life.
In Bulgaria, cherries herald the arrival of summer. In Kyustendil, they are more than a seasonal fruit, they are a cultural emblem. The cherry tree is interwoven into the local lifestyle and traditions, lovingly cultivated as a symbol of well-being and prosperity. Folk songs and rituals have long honored the cherry, such as the famous Bulgarian folklore line: “Chereshchitsa rod rodila” (which can be translated as “The little cherry tree bore a lineage”).
How to Reach Kyustendil and the Cherry Festival?
Kyustendil is located very close to the boarder with North Macedonia and Serbia and some 90 km from the Bulgarian capital Sofia. If you do not travel by car, a flight to Sofia is your best bet in terms of easy access, because you will not need to pass through border control after you get out of the airport.
There are regular flights to Sofia from many European cities and some special flights for the Summer season.
Norwegian Air FlightsIn Bulgarian culture, cherries are seen as a divine gift and a symbol of goodness, a beautiful, enduring sign of nature’s generosity which you can enjoy at the Cherry Festival. Join the fun and be part of the Cherry festival in Bulgaria, a place where you can try the best of the best fresh, as jam, syrup, or wine!