Shaping the Future of Culinary Festivals in the Danube Region

On Tuesday, 9 December, SEZ, in collaboration with partners from RDA BKP, REDASP, SASS, and AroTT, had the privilege of presenting a franchising-based concept note during a workshop. This concept outlines a transferable model for future culinary festivals designed for replication across regions, with the aim of promoting and celebrating the diverse culinary and cultural heritage of ethnic communities throughout the Danube Region.

The Vision of This Festival:

Celebrate the Danube Region’s rich tapestry of ethnic and local cuisines
Support both local and international vendors
Enhance community engagement through food-centered cultural activities

To refine and elevate this concept note, we had the honor of hosting renowned international culinary experts whose experience deeply enriched our work:

👩‍🍳 Master Chef Alma Rekić (Slovenia)
Chef, pastry expert, and respected member of the World Master Chefs Society, Chef Rekić is recognized for her expertise in organizing workshops and festivals, her representation of Slovenian cuisine in New York, and her role as a judge on MasterChef Slovenia.

🍝 Domenico Maggi (Italy)
Continental Director Europe South at Worldchefs. A globally respected chef, educator, and culinary leader with over 40 years of experience, Chef Maggi is recognized for leading the Italian National Culinary Team to major international competition wins and for shaping global culinary education through the Worldchefs Academy.

👨‍🍳 Master Chef Konstantin Katafaj (Serbia)
Executive Chef at Mega Palace Hotel (Russia), founder of the Serbian Master Chef Association, and member of the World Master Chefs Society. Chef Katafaj is a dedicated guardian of Serbian culinary heritage and is widely recognized for his leadership in international culinary competitions, as well as his commitment to authenticity and excellence in national cuisine.

🍽 Suzana Jovanović (Serbia)
Trained in France’s prestigious institutions, including Ferrandi Paris, Chef Jovanović is the founder of the "La Toque Blanche Academy" and a long-standing president of the jury at the Gastro Cup Serbia. She has played a significant role in shaping the regional and international gastronomic scene.

🍴 Joanna Ochniak (Poland)
As an international judge and long-standing member of the Worldchefs network, Chef Ochniak served as the Global President of Women in WACS, working to advance the role of women in the culinary profession. She currently serves on the Worldchefs Committee for Culinary Culture and Heritage, contributing to the preservation of traditional food practices and the recognition of national cuisines worldwide. Although she couldn’t join us for the workshop, we are grateful for her supportive video message.

In addition, we were honored to welcome other guests showcasing how gastronomy, local communities, and regional development can be interconnected:

🌿 Sabina Ramović (Montenegro)
Promoting sustainable culinary initiatives through her work with the NGO Kisele Vode and the family-owned tourism agency RAMS Explorer, Ms. Ramović focuses on preserving traditional food practices, supporting agro-tourism, and raising awareness of Montenegro’s rich food heritage.

🏙 Franci Judež (Slovenia)
As a City Manager from the Municipality of Novo Mesto, Mr. Judež shared valuable insights on the practical aspects of organizing festivals, including the application processes and approvals needed to make such events possible. His presence underscored the vital role of local governments in shaping community-based gastronomic initiatives and promoting cross-regional collaboration.

The workshop, with the presence of our esteemed experts, marks a significant step toward finalizing our concept note, which will pave the way for the launch of a culinary festival next year. This festival will celebrate diversity, strengthen communities, and showcase the extraordinary gastronomic heritage of the Danube Region.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Culinary Trail Project.
Visit the Culinary Trail website for further details: Culinary Trail.

Together, we are building a festival model that inspires, connects, and brings cultures closer together, one dish at a time. 🍴🌍