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Masquerade Games Festival is being held in Bulgaria's Stara Zagora

Clocks and bells will ring out in the center of Stara Zagora on Saturday, when the city will host the XXIV Masquerade Games Festival . The event will start with a traditional parade of participants.  Attractive babugers, araps, old men and other..

published on 3/15/25 11:36 AM

88 years since the birth of the nightingale of Thrace region - folk singer Nadka Karadzhova

Today marks the 88th anniversary of the birth of remarkable Bulgaria folk singer Nadka Karadzhova . Born on March 14, 1937 in the then Pazardzhik village of Trivoditsi (today - Plovdiv region), she is a descendant of an old musical family. At the age..

published on 3/14/25 2:00 PM
Photo: Probuda-1928 chitalishte, Kralevo village

Photo competition breathes life into characters of Pizho and Penda

Every year, the chitalishte (community culture club) in the village of Kralevo not far from Targovishte, re-enacts Bulgarian traditions and rituals, organizing contests such as “Master lyutenitsa - maker” and “From granny’s dresser”. And for the..

updated on 3/14/25 11:45 AM

Red and white – the Bulgarian spring health amulet is shrouded in legends and beliefs

According to popular belief, the color red has the power of the sun and gives vitality to every living being, while white symbolizes purity, innocence and joy . The appearance of the twisted white and red threads, known as martenitsa, means that winter..

published on 3/1/25 5:05 AM

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