Everything is ready for the 16th Konjic Food Fest: A record number of exhibitors and a rich program at PSC Partizanovo

On Thursday, October 8, the Partizanovo Business and Sports Center will host the 16th Konjic Food Fest, the largest gastronomic event in Herzegovina, which this year brings together a record number of exhibitors. Speaking about the preparations and the great interest shown by farmers and producers, Izeta Macić, a member of the festival’s organizing committee, emphasized:

“On October 8, Konjic will experience a true celebration of flavors and aromas, featuring homemade products from our hardworking farmers, traditional dishes that preserve the spirit of our region and Herzegovina as a whole, as well as modern culinary creations that bring freshness and innovation. This year, the festival will offer a rich cultural and entertainment program, tastings, handicraft exhibitions, and opportunities to meet and socialize with local producers.”

Due to the high level of interest and limited space, the organizers were unable to accommodate all applications:

“This year, we have a record number of exhibitors and a record number of exhibition tables – as many as 120 exhibition spaces will be featured at the Konjic Food Fest.”

Women’s Associations and the Preservation of Tradition

Every year, the festival is given a special charm by gatherings of women who preserve tradition and create traditional handicrafts. Alongside long-standing participants, younger initiatives and returnee associations are also playing an increasingly important role:

“For perhaps 14–15 years now, we have had our valued exhibitors, namely women’s associations from Mostar – the ‘Vrba’ Women’s Association and the ‘Univerzum’ Women’s Association. Over the past two to three years, we have also welcomed a young women’s association from the Prozor municipality, from returnee communities, gathered under the ‘Mali ženski kutak’ Association. They bring a special charm and emotion because these women have returned to their homes, started small businesses, and returned to agricultural production. I would also highlight the young Sumejja Association – ‘Strong Women of Herzegovina’ from Mostar, which works to empower women through various initiatives and showcases their handicrafts.”

Top-Quality Honey from Konjic and Fair Awards

When it comes to high-quality local products, Konjic can proudly boast about the quality of its honey, with local beekeepers regularly winning numerous awards at national and international competitions.

“In the coming period, our beekeepers, through the ‘Roj’ Beekeepers’ Association, will submit their samples to the Federal Institute of Agriculture in Sarajevo, as the analysis and evaluation of honey is currently underway for the upcoming event in November – the Honey Days of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Given everything that has happened with our beekeepers and the awards they have received, we believe that this international competition will also bring further accolades – judging by everything, it will once again be gold.”

Throughout the day, a professional jury made up of members of the organizing committee will visit the stalls on a “secret mission” and present awards in three categories: Best-Decorated Stall, Richest Selection, and Best-Packaged Product.

Young Culinary Talents and the Festival Schedule

This year, special emphasis has been placed on young culinary talents through a competition for students from secondary culinary schools, with renowned Konjic chef Tarik Repovac serving as the competition’s main coordinator.

“In the competition segment, secondary culinary schools from Hadžići, Mostar, Sarajevo, as well as our local secondary school in Konjic, will take part. What they will prepare that day remains a secret – even we, as the organizers, do not know. Chef Tarik, together with his colleagues and world-class judges, has developed a concept in which the competition dishes will be prepared using ingredients purchased at the festival that day: locally grown vegetables, fruit, honey, and other necessary ingredients. The names of the dishes and their exact ingredients will remain a secret.”

Speaking about the programme and schedule of events, Izeta Macić explained:

“The festival will officially begin at 9 a.m. The opening ceremony will take place at 11 a.m., featuring a rich cultural and entertainment programme. We will have performances by children from two kindergartens, Zulejha Begetaj and Happy Kids, followed by local musician Harun Sokolović and his band, as well as the Preporod Cultural and Artistic Society. After all these activities, the award winners will be announced. And, of course, the highlight of the day will be the announcement of the winning team from the culinary schools taking part in the competition, followed by the presentation of a trophy and a prize voucher to the winning team,” Izeta Macić concluded.

Once again, we remind you that the doors of the Partizanovo Business and Sports Center will be open to visitors from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Source of text and photos:Radio Konjic-https://radiokonjic.ba/sve-spremno-za-16-konjic-food-fest-rekordan-broj-izlagaca-i-bogat-program-u-psc-partizanovo/