For the 13th time, one of the delicious festivals of gastrotourism, the Tolma Festival, will bring together tourists, chefs, and tolma lovers. On May 24, the Tolma festival will be held in the territory of “Zvartnots” historical and cultural reserve-museum. It comes with a complete program. “Armenpress”Ani Nazaryan, head of the festival program of the non-governmental organization for the development and preservation of Armenian culinary traditions, informed at the press conference in the press hall that apart from the festive atmosphere and delicious cuisine, there will be both a competition part and a concert program.
“On May 24, at 4:00 p.m., the official start of the Tolma Festival will be held on the territory of the “Zvartnots” historical and cultural reserve-museum. Within the framework of the festival, there will be more than 30 booths where chefs will present many types of tolma. Among the chefs, a competition will be held in the categories “Best taste”, “Best appearance”, “Best idea”, “Absolute winner”. A professional jury will select the winners. In addition to national flavors, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy national song and dance. Ethno Colors Band will perform the concert program,” said Ani Nazaryan.
The president of the non-governmental organization for the development and preservation of Armenian culinary traditions, Sedrak Mamulyan, noted that this is a very good opportunity to present the national cuisine, in terms of increasing the attractiveness of Armenia in that context.
“This active tourist season is an opportunity to present the national cuisine to the guests who came to Armenia. I should say that more than 60 types of tolma will be presented within the framework of the festival. I would like to single out dolma made with pumpkin flowers or seafood from the selection of previous years. Types of dolma with very interesting recipes will be presented,” said Sedrak Mamulyan.
He noticed that this is a good platform to present dishes with traditional recipes, as well as new ideas of chefs. The non-governmental organization for the development and preservation of Armenian culinary traditions has been conducting research for a long time to bring up the forgotten recipes of the national cuisine.
Mekhak Apresyan, the president of the Greek Federation of Tourism, noted that the Tolma festival is one of the most important events. During these years, it has effectively implemented the function of preservation and popularization of Armenian cultural heritage.
“This festival is a unique tourist result and a platform for the formation and development of other programs. It is of essential importance in terms of increasing the tourist attraction of Armenia. Such festivals are also of great importance in terms of community development. Experience shows that local historical and cultural places do not leave visitors indifferent, and the involvement of residents of nearby communities also brings great activity,” Mehak Apresyan said.
More than 30 international journalists and bloggers have been invited to cover the Tolma festival. More than 5000 visits are expected.
