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Four generations of talent or how the folk arts school in Kotel preserves the Bulgarian spirit

The Philip Koutev National School of Folk Arts is not just any school - it is a talent laboratory. It is the first school not only in Bulgaria but in the Balkans for professional study of folklore. It is located in the heart of the beautiful town of..

published on 2/12/25 11:38 AM

Scientists from the Sorbonne will study the cultural heritage preserved in the Etar ethnographic complex

Scientists from the Sorbonne will study the cultural heritage preserved in the Regional Ethnographic Open-Air Museum "Etar" , informs public broadcaster BNT. In March this year the French scientists together with experts of REOM "Etar" will study elements..

published on 2/7/25 7:01 PM

Vine growers and winemakers celebrate Trifonovden today

The day of St. Tryphon (1 February old style, 14 February new style) is celebrated by vine growers, falconers and gardeners in Bulgaria. Trifon Zarezan comes around with vine pruning and wine drinking St. Tryphon is believed to help..

published on 2/1/25 10:03 AM

Celebrating Surva in the village of Elovdol

All Bulgarian masquerade games originate from the ancient rituals related to the birth of the sun around Christmas. With the adoption of Christianity, in order not to defile the newborn God, the custom was blurred. In the western..

published on 1/21/25 2:35 PM

Roma people in Bulgaria celebrate Vasilitsa - the old-style new year

The Roma community in Bulgaria is celebrating Vasilyevden /or Vasilitsa, Bango Vasili (literally the Lame Vasil)/, also known as the Roma New Year , reports the Amalipe Foundation.  The Roma New Year combining in its traditions Christmas with St...

published on 1/14/25 6:35 AM

Babinden or Midwives' Day: When tradition connects us to the roots of life

Today is Babinden (Midwives' Day) - one of the most beloved and authentic Bulgarian holidays deeply rooted in local folk tradition . Celebrated on 8 January in the new style calendar and January 21 in the old style, it is dedicated to the women who used..

published on 1/8/25 6:05 AM

On Ivanovden, residents of Alvanovo reenact the custom "Bathing the Sons-in-Law"

On Ivanovden, the village of Alvanovo (Northeastern Bulgaria) observes the custom called "Bathing the Sons-in-Law". The ritual is performed for health and prosperity of young couples who got married in the past year, reported BTA, referring to Valya..

published on 1/7/25 2:31 PM

Surva Mummers' Festival is visiting Sofia on January 5

The Borisova Garden in the heart of Sofia will once again become the stage for the Surva mummers' festival traditionally held in the town of Pernik. For the third consecutive year, Sofia residents and guests of the capital will be able to enjoy the..

published on 1/4/25 5:35 AM

The custom "Pole, pole" intertwines the Christian and pagan beliefs of Bessarabian Bulgarians

Moving to Bessarabia more than two centuries ago, some Bulgarians brought with them part of their rich rituals. In their new homeland, some customs became modified under the influence of local traditions, others disappeared, and still others have been..

published on 1/1/25 5:50 AM

The good fortune of the New Year and how it can be found inside bread, walnuts or onion skins

The first day of January is a day filled with emotions and joyful anticipation of a prosperous year in which all family members will be healthy and will make all their dreams come true. In the traditional Bulgarian calendar, 1 January is known as..

published on 12/31/24 6:05 PM