Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Days of Ancestors – Pliska 2021 Festival takes us back to Medieval Bulgaria

4
Photo: Maya Arsova

The Pliska National Historical and Architectural Reserve, located 28 km away from the city of Shumen, is the place where the 9th medieval fair “Days of Ancestors”– Pliska 2021 will take place. It is dedicated to the Middle Ages from the 7th to the 14th century in Bulgaria and is among the most significant historical reenactments in this country. The place has not been chosen by chance – the Pliska Archaeological Reserve keeps the memory of the first Bulgarian capital city that at the time of founding of the Bulgarian State near the Danube in 681 was one of the richest cities in Europe and characterized by remarkable architecture.


The festival, which takes us back to this era, is held on August 7thand8thand is expected to bring together more than 200 participants from Bulgaria and abroad. They will demonstrate the way of life, as well as the culture and traditions from this period of history.

"There will be more participants in comparison to previous years. They are from this country and abroad. Of course, from closer destinations such as neighboring Romania, as the pandemic situation throughout Europe does not allow many groups to participate," Zhasmin Parvanov, chairman of the Avitohol Association for reenactment and preservation of Bulgarian traditions, located in Varna and one of the organizers of the event from its very beginning, has told BNR-Varna.


The main goal of this fair is to recreate historical events we have researched well and know about, Zhasmin Parvanov says and adds:

"Guests will be able to talk to each participant and learn details about the period, to try on armor clothing, hold a sword and get immersed into the atmosphere of that period. The reenactments actually show the great depth of research work that participants have done."


The event starts with a scientific conference on the topic of “1340 years since the founding of the Bulgarian state and 1300 years since the death of Khan Tervel – The Savior of Europe."

In addition to the presentation of medieval clothing, weapons and household items, there will be military demonstrations, as well as presentations of early medieval music and medieval cuisine.


Children and young people can get acquainted with medieval martial arts, archery and sword fighting. There will be a traditional archery tournament and other medieval games.

Editor: Elena Karkalanova

English: Alexander Markov

Photos:Maya Arsova and avitohol.org


Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

Gallery

More from category

Martenitsa Festival in Brussels brings together the communities of Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova

The Martenitsa Festival was held in Brussels f or the third consecutive year . Cultural organizations from Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova presented their country's traditions related to the "Baba Marta" holiday, which heralds spring. The initiative..

published on 2/23/25 11:58 AM
Ivaylo Nachev

Bulgarian scientists in Antarctica analyze solar activity and its impact on Earth

Measurement equipment installed at the Bulgarian Antarctic base "St. Kliment Ohridski" has been collecting valuable data on solar activity and its relation to the Earth's magnetic field for two months. The research is part of Bulgaria's first polar..

published on 2/23/25 8:05 AM

Young Bulgarians to explore Europe through a free train journey

558 Bulgarians aged 18, selected from 1,785 applicants, will be able to embark on their dream journey by train across Europe, learn from other cultures and build new friendships. They have been selected to receive a free travel pass through the..

published on 2/23/25 6:10 AM