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Cultural festival in the village of Huhla brings together Greeks, Turks and Bulgarians

Photo: Municipality of Ivaylovgrad

The cultural festival "Mysteries of Huhla 2024" is being held for the 26th consecutive time in the village of Huhla near the town of Ivaylovgrad. Until September 23, three ethnic groups—Bulgarians, Greeks and Turks—gather in the central square of Ivaylovgrad under the motto "Humanity Without Borders". The event is organized by journalist, writer and public figure Ivan Bunkov, with the support of the "Hohla" Foundation, the Municipality of Ivaylovgrad and the community center ‘’Obedinenie’’ in Kardzhali.

Renowned literary figures will present their works at the literary reading titled "By the Ancient Waters of My Arda...". In the Amphitheater at St. Elijah mount, musicians will give a concert conducted by Maestro Georgi Andreev. There will be a performance of the Vratsa Symphony Orchestra with soloists of the National Folklore Ensemble "Philip Kutev" and with the special participation of virtuoso instrumentalists from Sofia, Istanbul and Thessaloniki.  Among them are Grammy Award winner and kaval master Nedyalko Nedyalkov, who is part of the Bulgarian National Radio's Folk Music Orchestra, and Hakan Güngör, playing a string instrument originating from the old Egyptian harp.

Akrites Formation

Amateur ensembles from the regions of the cross-border rivers Arda, Tundzha and Maritsa will also perform on the town Square. At the end of the performances, residents and visitors of Huhla will dance in a communal Balkan chain dance.


The event also features an exhibition of authentic Thracian costumes from the film "Captain Petko Voyvoda" and a presentation of Kalina Koprinkova’s book "Huhla: Past and Present". The three-day cultural festival includes trips to sacred places. The "Honorary Villager" award will be presented at the end of the event. 

Photos: Courtesy of the organizers; The Municipality of Ivaylovgrad; BTA


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