Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: GurmanIA Festival in Tarigrad, Drochia - deep roots, authentic flavors, vibrant traditions

The village of Tarigrad, northern Drochia district, turned into a true festival of Moldovan culinary aromas and traditions, hosting the seventh edition of the GurmanIA Gastronomic Festival, on the last Sunday of July, this year. The event brought together locals, tourists and tourism specialists, becoming a living bridge between the cultural heritage and tourism potential of Moldova.

Tarigrad, with its tranquil landscapes and specific northern hospitality, for one day was an open stage for tasting fragrant sarmale (cabbage rolls), cheese and sugar beet pies, black and white cake, boiled pretzels and polenta with roast, accompanied by local wines and natural soft drinks. The atmosphere was enriched by stands with artisanal products and folk costumes, which brought color and tradition to this unique event.

The GurmanIA festival highlighted the importance of gastronomic tourism as a growing branch in the development of rural tourism in Moldova. Ana Sandra, the interim director of the National Tourism Office, at the official opening, emphasized that such initiatives were essential for promoting local culinary traditions and native wines, strengthening the cultural image of our country.

The event was attended by representatives of the National Tourism Office, the InnoVillage Association, the Department of Economy, Marketing, and Tourism of the State University of Moldova, bloggers specialized in travel and gastronomy, as well as local officials and business community members.

Organized by the Tarigrad mayoralty, in partnership with the Drochia Culture and Tourism Department and the district council, the festival provided an authentic experience reflecting the richness and diversity of Moldovan traditions, inviting the public to discover and appreciate the rural charm and hospitality of the Drochia area.

GurmanIA is not just a festival, but a platform supporting local products and developing rural tourism, contributing to preserving and promoting the cultural identity of Moldova.

For those in search of authentic experiences, Tarigrad thus becomes an unmissable destination, where old tastes meet modern hospitality and traditions come to life on each plate.

The history of Tarigrad village: a community with deep roots and vibrant traditions

The village of Tarigrad, located in the Drochia district, is a locality with a history dating back to the 18th century. Its name comes from the Slavic term "Țari-grad," meaning "City of the Tsar" or "Citadel of the Tsar." This name reflects historical and cultural ties with the Slavic space, as well as its important status in the past as a rural settlement.

Tarigrad was first mentioned in official documents in the mid-18th century, when it was a small, but influential agricultural and commercial center in the region. Over time, the village witnessed numerous historical events, including social and economic transformations during the Russian Empire, interwar Romania, and modern Moldova.

An interesting aspect is that, in the past, the village was a connecting point between various local trade routes and traditional crafts, such as weaving, wood processing, and cooking traditional products, have been preserved from generation to generation.

In addition to its cultural richness, Tarigrad impresses with its natural landscapes – gentle hills, forests and fertile agricultural lands, providing a perfect setting for rural tourism and ecotourism.

Cor. Lilia Grubii