Transylvanian gastronomic traditions are honored in one of the most beautiful baroque buildings in Europe, the Brukenthal Palace in Avrig. The Potato Festival is the first major event organized at the new Historic Cafes Route (HCR) main residence in Europe. The Festival underlines the historic role, a first for Romania, which entails the honor and responsibility of leading one of the cultural routes under the High Patronage of the Council of Europe.
For a five-year term of office, our country, through its expert in historical and cultural tourism, Arnold Gunter Klingeis, is responsible for the management and communication strategy of the Historic Cafes Route. This represents a great opportunity to present historical and cultural Romania to Europe and the world at organized events in the 47 countries of the Council of Europe, as well as beyond the borders of the old continent.
“I am proud to have obtained the first presidency won by our country and to be able to be responsible for promoting the rich and multi-ethnic cultural and historical image, which gives Romania a great advantage in presenting its heritage acquired over the centuries, in a European and international context associated with coffee and the history of its emblematic cafés, restaurants and hotels, which preserve a unique and fairy-tale spirit and allow, at least imaginary, a journey back in time.
I would like to develop the HCR team in Romania and I would like to thank everyone for their trust and support, the central and local authorities of our country with whom I want to create a business card for cultural tourism, the historical and modern image of Romania”, says Arnold Gunter Klingeis, President of Historic Cafes Route.
In Avrig, the last day of this month sees the start of the 2024 edition of the Potato Festival, a Historic Cafes Route event, which pays gastronomic homage to Samuel von Brukenthal, the governor of Transylvania from 1777 to 1787, who cultivated potatoes on the land of his summer residence in Avrig for the first time in this region. It helped to eradicate famine throughout Europe.
For a few weeks, visitors to the city and the gardens of the summer residence of Baron Samuel von Brukenthal will be able to enjoy authentic local and international cuisine based on the potato.
Samuel von Brukenthal, an illustrious Transylvanian who, after receiving the rank of baron and the privilege of ruling Transylvania, cultivated potatoes for the first time in the garden of the Brukenthal Palace in Avrig. It was a revolutionary gesture, which put the spotlight on the wonder food that defeated famine in Transylvania. As a sign of respect and recognition of this historical legacy, those currently in charge of the beautiful Baroque complex in Avrig initiated the Potato Festival several years ago, a project which included various activities.
At this year’s edition, on Saturday and Sunday, the organizers’ main preoccupations will be culinary, so that any guest, young or old, will be able to find something to satisfy their curiosity or hunger.
“We invite you, starting August 31, to the “Potato Festival” in the Brukenthal Palace Garden Avrig, with specialties based on potatoes gathered from around the world, mutton and suckling pig on a skewer, specialties from the hot stove, vegetables and fruits from the rich harvest of Transylvania. We promise you a real culinary treat in an autumn setting, inviting you to take photos and share with your loved ones the special moments experienced during the “Potato Festival”, say the project organizers.
Those who are interested in finding out further details or would like to make reservations for themed menus, accommodation or leisure offers at the Corabia Piraților Resort can call 0726234417, visit the venue’s website (www.palatulbrukenthalavrig.ro), or send an email to office@palatulbrukenthalavrig.ro.
