Harghita Community Development Association

24 February 2026

Partnership opportunities and initiatives aimed at strengthening local gastronomic values were presented at a press conference organized by Harghita County Council on February 24, 2026, at the Hungaro Residence Restaurant in Miercurea Ciuc/Csíkszereda, as part of the preparation process following the county’s designation as European Region of Gastronomy 2027.

The event focused on initiatives designed to actively engage local hospitality businesses, producers, tourism service providers, civil society organizations, and public institutions as partners in the 2027 program. As previously announced, Harghita County will hold the title of European Region of Gastronomy in 2027, awarded by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) to regions that demonstrate a strong commitment to preserving their gastronomic heritage, developing local and sustainable food systems, and strengthening tourism linked to gastronomy and culture.

According to Bíró Barna-Botond, president of Harghita County Council, gastronomy will serve as a common language through which Harghita County can present its history, values, communities, and future to Europe in 2027. “The fact that Harghita County has been awarded the title of European Region of Gastronomy is the result of a long-term and consistent development process, and proof that tourism development and the strengthening of our local identity are shared responsibilities. This title not only provides international visibility, but also offers an opportunity to build a strong professional network, create a gastronomic offer that consistently represents high quality, and strengthen local communities that proudly and authentically represent Harghita County. Our goal is for every local stakeholder—from producers to hospitality providers—to become an ambassador of Harghita County through their own services, and together reinforce our identity as part of the European community through flavors, traditions, and confidence in the future.”

Preparations for the title year are coordinated by the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita). During the press conference, organizers presented a series of tools and programs designed to establish a partnership network and encourage the involvement of local stakeholders.

As part of this effort, an information handbook for the European Region of Gastronomy 2027 program has been developed. The publication provides detailed guidance on participation requirements, partnership opportunities, and the benefits of joining the initiative. Its purpose is to create a common framework for businesses and organizations wishing to contribute to the development and promotion of Harghita County’s gastronomic offer. Accompanying the handbook is a Code of Conduct that outlines the core principles and professional standards expected of participating partners.

“Work towards securing the European Region of Gastronomy 2027 title began in 2023. Since then, extensive preparations have been underway behind the scenes. Our objective is for the programs launched today not only to strengthen the 2027 title year, but also to contribute in the long term to Harghita County’s tourism development, reinforce cooperation between local producers and hospitality businesses, and help establish the county as a sustainable, high-quality, and authentic gastronomic destination,” said Szabó Károly, executive director of the Harghita Community Development Association.

New initiatives to strengthen local gastronomic values

Three major initiatives were presented during the press conference, focusing on the identification and promotion of the county’s signature dishes, the certification of hospitality establishments, and direct visitor engagement opportunities for farms and producers.

The Signature Dish initiative is a curated selection of Harghita County’s most representative dishes and desserts, created through a collaborative professional and community process linked to the European Region of Gastronomy 2027 title. The list was compiled based on a public survey and the joint evaluation of twelve chefs. It features dishes and desserts that reflect traditions passed down through generations, the county’s cultural diversity, and its authentic flavors. The initiative aims to present the region’s gastronomy through a unified concept, encourage cooperation between local producers and hospitality providers, and increase the visibility of local ingredients and traditional dishes.

The Myrmidone (Danube Clouded Yellow butterfly) certification system is directly linked to the Signature Dish initiative and recognizes hospitality establishments that offer a conscious gastronomic experience built around local ingredients and traditional flavors. Among the certification requirements are the inclusion of Signature Dish items on menus, cooperation with local producers, efforts to reduce food waste, and the use of ingredients sourced within a 100-kilometre radius. The certification takes its name from the endangered Danube Clouded Yellow butterfly (Colias Myrmidone), a species found today in only three European countries—Poland, Slovakia, and Romania. Within Romania, it survives in just two regions, one of which is the Kürücök Valley near Lăzarea/Gyergyószárhegy and Gheorgheni/Gyergyószentmiklós. Its presence is evidence of the exceptional value of Harghita County’s natural environment. This clean and living landscape is not only a heritage worth preserving but is also reflected in the quality of local ingredients and the region’s gastronomy.

The Open Farm program offers local producers, farms, and food processors an opportunity to present their activities and values to visitors in an organized and safe manner. Participating farms welcome visitors by prior appointment, allowing guests to meet producers directly, gain insight into everyday agricultural activities, and experience first-hand how local ingredients and products are created. The program guarantees a high-quality visitor experience, supported by appropriate infrastructure and hygiene and safety standards. Open Farm participants will also become partners in the Open Farm Weekend events, which the organizers plan to hold twice annually. During these weekends, participating farms will offer special programs and activities, strengthening direct connections between local producers and the public.

The initiatives presented at the press conference represent an important milestone in the preparation for the 2027 title year and contribute to the coordinated promotion of Harghita County’s gastronomic and cultural values both nationally and internationally. Detailed information, participation criteria, and application forms are available through the Visit Harghita website and mobile application.

European Region of Gastronomy

European Regions of Gastronomy (candidate and awarded), guided by IGCAT, aim to contribute to a better quality of life for their citizens by raising awareness about the importance of cultural and food uniqueness, and in doing so:

stimulate creativity and gastronomic innovation
nourish children and adults through culinary education
improve sustainable tourism standards
strengthen circular economies in both urban and rural settings
support community and environmental well-being and health

IGCAT provides the Award, with the support of International and European institutions. The regions also join a World Platform of awarded and candidate Regions of Gastronomy in order to foster long-term benefits, increase international visibility and support sharing of knowledge.

The title of European Gastronomic Region recognises communities (cities, counties, regions, islands or countries) that place a strong emphasis on their gastronomic heritage through community collaboration and sustainable development. They attach particular importance to the preservation and protection of local food, drink, agricultural products and their cultural and natural values.

The label is a recognition that widely promotes the region's achievements, programmes, community cohesion and responses to future challenges, but it does not come with a cash prize.

Members of the Harghita County Consortium: