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The city of Stepanavan in Armenia's Lori Province is gearing up to host the highly anticipated 13th Pan-Armenian Barbecue Festival.
The 13th edition of the festival comes after a four-year hiatus, with organizers hoping it will help boost tourism in the region.
"The Barbecue Festival has been held since 2008. As many know, it was previously hosted in the community of Akhtala in Lori Province. Our goal there was to promote the region, support balanced regional development, boost tourism, and promote Armenian cuisine. We believe we achieved that and now aim to do the same in Stepanavan. In our view, Stepanavan's tourism potential has not yet been fully realized, and we hope to contribute to its promotion," Sedrak Mamulyan, president of the Armenian Cookery Traditions Development and Preservation NGO, said at a press conference.
The festival will officially open at 12:00 p.m. on August 1.
Approximately 50 booths will feature chefs presenting their original barbecue creations. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample a wide variety of dishes before a professional jury evaluates the competitors' work.
Awards will be presented in the following categories: Best Taste, Best Presentation, Most Creative Concept, Special Prize, and the Grand Prix.
Mamulyan noted that every edition of the festival showcases innovative barbecue creations.
"There's always a chef who surprises everyone with something unusual. Last time, for example, one participant created an entire barbecue menu using only fruit, including grilled watermelon. So, visitors can expect new surprises this year as well," he said.
Festival organizer Vladimir Gevorgyan highlighted the many attractions Stepanavan and the broader Lori region have to offer.
"Visitors can explore Lori Fortress, which is currently undergoing major restoration, as well as the Dendropark and the Water Lily Pond. The Surb Nshan Chapel is another must-see destination. And, of course, all of this comes with the region's exceptionally clean, oxygen-rich air."
According to Diana Karapetyan, head of the Marketing and Promotion Department at Armenia's Tourism Committee, the festival plays an important role in promoting Armenian cuisine and developing gastronomic tourism.
"The festival also generates significant tourist traffic for the host community. When the Tourism Committee supports a festival, one of the requirements is that it attracts at least 3,000 visitors. According to last year's figures, the festivals we supported each welcomed more than 5,000 visitors," she said.
The festival will also provide 20 free booths to residents of local communities, who will showcase their agricultural products and handmade crafts.
A live concert program will accompany the event throughout the day.
To make attendance easier, the organizers will provide round-trip transportation from Yerevan. Buses will depart from Republic Square at 10:00 a.m. on August 1 and return from Stepanavan at 8:00 p.m. Interested participants can register in advance through the festival's social media pages.
Admission to the festival is free.