In 2027, Harghita County will hold the title of European Region of Gastronomy, following the official decision of IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism). The award will be presented during a ceremonial event on February 6, 2025, hosted in Harghita County.
IGCAT's international expert jury visited the county between October 6–11, 2024, to explore the region's gastronomic heritage, community initiatives, and efforts centered on sustainable tourism. Dr. Diane Dodd, President of IGCAT and founder of the World Region of Gastronomy Award, highlighted that Harghita County’s unique cultural values, harmonious landscapes, and strong community collaboration serve as an inspiring example to the world. "IGCAT extends its warmest congratulations on this significant achievement. The quality of Harghita's bid and the exceptional organization of the jury visit are highly commendable. The active participation of over 100 stakeholders from diverse sectors demonstrates the dedication and collaboration driving Harghita's gastronomy to the forefront of global recognition." – reads the official letter issued by the jury.
Harghita County's gastronomic heritage reflects the convergence of Hungarian, Romanian, Armenian, and Szekler traditions, which the consortium established for the bid of the title aims to further develop under the principles of sustainability and innovation. Through the collaboration of local producers, chefs, and community stakeholders, their goal is to create a sustainable food ecosystem that simultaneously supports the local economy, preserves cultural values, and enriches Europe’s gastronomic diversity. Their main message: Taste Harghita County!
The consortium has already begun planning the gastronomic programs and events for 2027. At the spring edition of the Romanian Tourism Fair, taking place February 20–23, 2025, the Visit Harghita stand will feature a live cooking show as a central attraction.
The Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) launched the application for the European Region of Gastronomy of 2027 in 2023. The application booklet of Harghita County is available on igcat.org.
Members of the Harghita County Consortium:
- Harghita County Council
- Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita)
- Honline Media (Szekler Kitchen and Garden)
- Development Agency of Harghita County
- Association of Caterers of Ciuc
- Pava KulinarIQum Association
- Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania
- Miercurea Ciuc/Csíkszereda Mayor's Office
- Odorheiu Secuiesc/Székelyudvarhely Mayor's Office
- Gheorgheni/Gyergyószentmiklós Mayor's Office
- Pro Economica
- Boro Info Group
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.
Harghita Community Development Association (ADI Harghita)
