People & Culture in Bulgaria

The Bulgarian people are a very proud race and very loyal. They are also friendly, especially to foreigners. From our own experiences, Bulgarian people are wonderful and made us feel very welcome. Generally, they are also very happy people and love to sing and dance.

Bulgaria has traditions dating back over 13 centuries. The country has a wealth of mysterious Thracian treasures and burial tombs, magnificent frescos and many brilliant examples of ancient arts. The festivals of Bulgaria date back to times when man worshipped the elements and still to this day, the celebrations are filled with colour, mystery and vibrance.

Fire dancing is the most ancient mysterious ritual. Barefoot dancers perform on burning embers. This religious and mystical ritual for expelling illness, for health and fruitfulness is one that must be seen to believe it.

The Festival of Roses is a beautiful festival, celebrated in the Rose Valley near the town of Kazanluk on the first weekend of June every year. In the run-up to the festival, a ‘Queen Rose’ beauty contest is held in several rounds. Artists, actors, circus performers, writers and singers flock to Kazanluk at the beginning of June. The Bulgarian rose is used by every perfume company in the world as an essential component of its perfumes. History says that in the Thracian provinces of the Roman Empire, the Thracians grew 12 varieties of roses, one of them known as the "Thracian Rose". In 1270, during the crusades, Count de Gruye brought the Damascus rose from Syria to the valley of Kazanluk where conditions proved to be perfect. The temperatures in February, when roses bud, are perfect. The blossoms are picked in May and June when the high humidity is very important. So is the cinnamon forest soil in the area and last but not least, the remarkable skills of the Bulgarian rose-oil producers.

Kukeri Carnival held in the region of Dupnitsa and Pernik is a splendid festival of brightly colored masks and costumes which marks the beginning of the spring. Every participant makes his own multi-coloured personal mask, covered with beads, ribbons and woolen tassels. The heavy swaying of the main mummer is meant to represent wheat heavy with grain and the bells tied around the waist are intended to drive away the evil spirits and illness.

Folk Festivals
The folk festivals ‘Pirin Sings’ and ‘Rozhen Sings’ are the best-known Bulgarian folklore festivals. Last year alone 150,000 visitors from Bulgaria and abroad came together to witness the show by the 4,000 performers on each festival. They came not only to see these inspiring events, but also to learn about the curious world of Bulgarian folklore traditions.

Bulgarian Crafts
Bulgarian embroidery with its intricate geometrical figures, Bulgarian carpets and rugs with their vibrant colours, beautifully painted Bulgarian ceramics, finely ornamented Bulgarian fretwork and superbly fashioned Bulgarian jewellery are just a few of the crafts that Bulgaria is known for. The Samovodene Market in Veliko Turnovo, the Permanent National Exhibition of Folk Art in Oreshak near Troyan and the Etura architectural and ethnographic complex near Gabrovo are all original museums of the revived beauty of Bulgarian handicrafts.