Pihtija Festival in Rumenka | Tourist Calendar of Serbia

Pihtija Festival in Rumenka is a tourist, cultural, and gastronomic event dedicated to a unique gourmet specialty of our region - pihtijas.

Pihtijas are a traditional Serbian dish whose preparation is associated with late autumn or winter, specifically the period of pig slaughtering. This gelatinous mass, derived from hours of cooking pig trotters and other cartilaginous parts of the pig, also contains pieces of meat, vegetables, garlic, and spices according to taste. The colder part of the year is the right time for their preparation as it helps them set better.

Rumenka pihtijas, on the other hand, differ from the others as they are richer than the rest, containing more meat and often including meat from other animals. They are considered a true brand of this town near Novi Sad. Moreover, local housewives even prepare vegetarian pihtijas.

Pihtijas are one of those dishes around which opinions are polarized - while some adore them, others refuse to even try them. Children often reject them, both due to their appearance and content. In contrast, the elderly consider pihtijas as one of the main associations with winter. That's why it is often said that love for pihtijas comes with age.

Nevertheless, the gastronomic offer of the Pihtija Festival will satisfy everyone's taste because, in addition to pihtijas, you can enjoy other meat specialties, especially cracklings that melt in your mouth, during the event.

Over time, the Pihtija Festival has merged with the Winter Days of Culture, Gastronomy, and Old Crafts, so even those who are not fans of meat and meat products can find entertainment for themselves. Local wines, brandies, and cakes are also an essential part of it.

During the event, the "ultimate pihtija" is made, which extends each year and enters the Guinness Book of Records. For example, in 2015, approximately 1,200 kilograms of meat mass were used to make a pihtija that was 22 meters long.

During the Pihtija Festival in Rumenka, pihtijas are prepared for tasting as well as for competition - from traditional pork meat ones to mixed ones containing various types of meat such as game and fish. Quality and taste are crucial for these, and the most beautifully decorated ones are in a special category.

The aim of this two-day event, first held in 2003, is to preserve the local gastronomic tradition and culture while promoting pihtijas as a brand of Rumenka. In addition to guests and competitors from Serbia, this event is attended by visitors from the region, Hungary, Croatia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, and Romania.

The Pihtija Festival is organized by the Citizens' Association "Rumenačka pihtija 2003". This year's 19th edition of the Rumenka Pihtija Festival will take place on March 5th.

More information about the upcoming event can be obtained from local media or on the website of the Tourist Organization of Vojvodina.