Bucharest residents are expected this weekend at the National Library of Romania for the international exhibition Chocolate Saga 2026, the country's most anticipated festival dedicated to chocolate.
Now in its ninth edition, the event will take place from 13 to 15 March and will bring together artisanal producers, premium brands and innovative concepts under one roof, celebrating seasonal themes such as Martisor, International Women's Day and Easter.
Visitors will be able to taste a wide range of new creations, including the 'Woman's Praline,' combining grapefruit, ginger and white chocolate, as well as a chocolate with linden flowers created as an aromatic tribute to poet Mihai Eminescu. Other unusual flavours include pralines infused with tea, pepper or chilli, as well as combinations featuring beer jelly or notes of red wine.
According to the organisers, Romania's artisanal chocolate market has grown by around 10% annually over the past five years, driven by increasing consumer interest in premium, traceable products made in small batches. The sector's development is also reflected in the fair itself, with about 80% of exhibitors requesting larger exhibition spaces this year.
Over the three days, visitors will be able to attend workshops and demonstrations dedicated to the world of chocolate. Activities will include chocolate-making demonstrations, Easter egg decoration sessions and creative workshops for both children and adults.
A highlight of the programme will be a tasting workshop led by international chocolate expert Martin Christy, who will guide participants through professional techniques for analysing flavours and textures.
The event will also feature innovative combinations of chocolate and alcoholic beverages, including pralines with beer jelly, chocolate infused with hops and creations inspired by red wine. Among the more unusual products presented will be 'Chocolate in a Bottle,' a sparkling wine made from Chardonnay grapes near Perpignan in France and combined with premium Belgian chocolate extracts.
Chocolate Saga remains Romania's largest event dedicated exclusively to the world of chocolate, aiming to promote artisanal craftsmanship while educating consumers about flavour and quality.
The festival takes place at the National Library in Bucharest, with tickets priced at 20 lei on Friday and 25 lei during the weekend, while children under the age of 10 have free entry.
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