Apriltsi Things to Do Tips by peter_dimov

The Monastery

Rather small, but nice. Also full of history.

Address: Central part, a bit away from the Apriltsi square

Directions: -

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Rakia making and rakia tasting

When visiting Apriltsi, every tourist should taste local homemade plum rakia and also, if possible, learn something about how local people make rakia. Rakia is the name of a strong alcoholic drink that is traditional for Bulgaria. It can be made from many kinds of fruits. The whole process begins in the summer when "blue plums", as we call them, are grown. Then people gather some 90-100 kg plums and collect all in big "katsa"-s (tuns). There stay the plums until they have fermentated, which often is in the autmn. After fermentation, the plum "kasha" (mess) is taken to a nearby rakia-making place which is a hut with a fireplace and one or several "kazan"-s (coppers) over it. There the making of the rakia usually takes a whole day. The kasha is mixed with water and all is boiled. After cooling the plums are separated and to the remaining juice is added a good quantity of alcohol which can reach up to 45-50% of the drink. The rakia is first tasted right on the place. In the end it's collected in cellars or attics, where it's cooler.
The other thing you should see when being in Apriltsi, is the surrounding area which is an almost native nature. The only thing that local people change in it is that they cut the grass for food of the sheep in winter.