Bitola gets a "Tripe Fest", and the organisers want a monument to the Čkembar in the old bazaar too

Bitola has finally thrown a festival for the dish that gave its people their nickname - Bitolans have long been known across Macedonia as "Čkembari", the tripe-soup eaters. On Magnolia Square, the first edition of "Čkembe Fest Bitola 2026" was officially opened, running from 9 to 11 October. The motto is "From the cauldron of tradition to the future of gastronomic tourism" - a bit long for a banner, but it says clearly what they are after: for the soup to become a reason for someone to come to the city.

Today ten teams from Bitola, Skopje and Kumanovo, but also from Turkey and Hungary, are competing for the tastiest tripe soup in front of an international jury. The guests from Izmir will cook their own işkembe çorbası, and the Hungarians their own tripe speciality. If you have ever argued in a tavern over whose soup is the best in the Balkans, here is your official arena.

The organisers are the association "Gurman Plus" and the hospitality and tourism association "Esnaf" from Bitola, with support from the municipality. Mayor Toni Konjanovski tasted the soup from the chefs of the "Korzo" restaurant before welcoming the idea of turning tradition into a tourist attraction. The programme includes a cauldron of soup for everyone, music, handicrafts, organic food, a five-a-side football tournament and a panel on Balkan cuisine and tourism. The local supporters' group "Čkembari" is involved too - naturally.

The most ambitious part is still to come: the organisers announced they will push for a monument to the Čkembar to be put up in the old bazaar. Cities usually raise monuments to generals and poets. Bitola is thinking of raising one to the lover of tripe soup. Whether that brings tourists, time will tell - but at least it will be a monument that makes you hungry.