Shamakhi, October 5, 2025 – The Europe Today: The opening ceremony of the first-ever International Barbecue Festival in Azerbaijan took place on October 4 in the village of Meysari, Shamakhi city.
The landmark event was organized with the support of the Shamakhi District Executive Authority, the Nasimi Gardens Complex, the Abgora Restaurant, and international culinary judge Sahib-David Israfilov (Don David). The festival brought together renowned chefs from more than 30 countries, along with presidents of culinary associations, Michelin-starred chefs, and international culinary judges.
Distinguished speakers at the opening ceremony included Sahib-David Israfilov (Don David), Willem Vink, President of the World Barbecue Association (WBQA), and Thomas Gugler, former President of the World Chefs Association (WACS) and personal chef to the King of Saudi Arabia.
In their addresses, the speakers highlighted that the festival aims to foster cultural exchange while showcasing Azerbaijan’s rich hospitality, diverse cuisine, and deep-rooted cultural traditions to the international community. They emphasized that the event, notable for its spectacular barbecue presentations, serves as a bridge connecting culinary professionals and cultures from around the world.
Following the opening, guests toured the festival’s pavilions, where they explored and sampled a variety of dishes representing global cuisines. In designated zones, professional chefs from Azerbaijan and abroad demonstrated their culinary mastery, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the richness and diversity of world gastronomy.
The festival also featured a dynamic team cooking competition, in which participants prepared dishes based on specific recipes provided by the organizers. The teams were judged on taste, cooking technique, and presentation, with top performers receiving certificates, medals, and the main festival trophy awarded by the event partners.
Throughout the day, the festival atmosphere was enhanced by live musical performances from local and international artists, creating a vibrant setting for guests to enjoy exceptional cuisine and cultural entertainment.
The International Barbecue Festival will continue until October 5, marking a new milestone in Azerbaijan’s efforts to promote culinary tourism and international cultural engagement.
