The old mulberry tree that has proudly stood at the square of Veliki Preslav for 450 years takes part in the international competition European Tree of the Year 2021. The tree preserves the memory of many historical events and personalities - among them the voivode Stefan Karadzha and the Apostle of Freedom Vasil Levski. In 1900, the patriarch of Bulgarian literature Ivan Vazov met with the local people in a cafe, over which the mulberry tree stretched its branches.

Voting for the European Tree of 2021 will continue online until the end of February and people from all over the world can participate. The winner will be announced on March 17, the Bulgarian Environmental Partnership Foundation said. "Let us prove that our beautiful and unique Bulgaria and our beloved town have the qualities to amaze and captivate everyone," the municipality of Veliki Preslav said.

Compiled by: Diana Tsankova

English: Alexander Markov