"Affirming Traditions" is this year's motto of the 49th edition of the traditional  "Shoppe Festival" in the town of Elin Pelin. The event is emblematic for the cultural calendar of the city, but also for the social life of residents and guests, who gather en masse to enjoy the festival. The region of Ellin Pelin is a preserved center of Shopi identity and folk tradition. Locals love their songs, music, people, customs. They are known for their hardwork, stubbornness, wit, but also for their sense of beauty that can be discovered in songs, folk dances and costumes. They respect greatly writer Elin Pelinand the town proudly bears his penname. "Songs are made so they can take you away from reality, in order to let you know that you are human." It is difficult to describe all the characteristics of the Shoppe folk region. Unpredictable in their actions, the Shopi are sometimes ridiculed but their ability to laugh at others and at themselves is a sign of spiritual maturity. Without losing their sense of humor and their desire to rejoice, locals celebrate the "Shopski Festival" for a week. This year's festival program starts on May 28 and continues until June 3. Mayor of the town, Prof. Ivaylo Simeonov, told us more:

“The festival is one of the most colorful ones, closely linked to traditions and aimed at preserving Bulgarian spirit. For the third year, we rely mainly on our traditions. The festival starts on Whit Monday when all generations born in the town gather and go to church. On this day we gather from nearby and distant places in Bulgaria and abroad. This is the start of the celebrations that last for a whole week in various forms such as sporting events, concerts a literary café where local writers gather... Local poets have a total of 6 published books, which gives pride to the whole town. Despite being a small town, Elin Pelin has great achievements in sports, especially among children aged 8-12 year. We have world and European champions in gymnastics, swimming, track and field athletics, etc. In the town park ‘Elin Pelin is Looking for Talents’ event will be held with special guest Niki Aprilov. Our wind orchestra ‘Stefan Stefanov’ is among the most prestigious in the country. The culmination of the holidays is on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We will have guests from sister towns in Serbia, Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. We strive to develop the tradition we have preserved, so that children get to know each other and communicate with each other. These are all factors for peace in the Balkans and for a happier life. In the last three days (June 1 - 3 June), a number of local folklore bands will perform, including the ‘Shopski Ensemble’ - one of the emblematic groups for the country. Many children will also take part in the festival. We organize a culinary exhibition, too. There will be local producers of dairy products, sausages and rakia, present. I am sure that there will be many guests coming to Elin Pelin these days. Our idea is to showcase traditions in a modern way, but with respect to the past and to the authenticity we have preserved. I will be glad if more people see the beauty of Shoppe's folklore.”

English: Alexander Markov