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

The centenarian who guarded a poet’s muse’s grave in Paris

Bulgarian immigrant to Paris Elena Voleva-Ravol dies aged 103

Photo: Bulgarian School “Cyril and Methodius” in Paris

At the age of 103, Elena Voleva-Ravol has passed away. She was a loyal partner in the Yavorov literary readings held at the grave of Mina Todorova, a role announced on Facebook by the team of the Bulgarian School “Cyril and Methodius” in Paris.


“More than 15 years ago, Elena brought us together with the beautiful verses of the poet and his muse. Since then, she has been our constant, tireless collaborator and ally, never missing a single literary reading. She is known to all our graduating classes, always encouraging them to love Yavorov’s poetry, to study it, and to work for Bulgaria! Our deepest respect to you, Elena, for your great patriotic work,” the post reads.


The Bulgarian School “Cyril and Methodius” in Paris organises annual literary readings under the title “Two Hearts in Fiery Love” in honour of the poet Peyo Yavorov and his beloved muse, Mina Todorova. The gatherings take place at Mina’s grave in the cemetery park of Boulogne-Billancourt. Over the years, Elena Voleva-Ravol was a regular guest and, more importantly, the person who discovered and lovingly tended Mina Todorova’s grave in France, BTA reports.



Editor: Ivo Ivanov
Posted in English by E. Radkova
Photos: The Bulgarian School “Cyril and Methodius” in Paris


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.

More from category

Lyudmila Kostova-Yoshida presenting Bulgaria's cuisine

Bulgarian festival in Tokyo demonstrates culinary masterpieces from Bulgaria

Until 2 September, Japan’s capital city Tokyo is hosting a Bulgarian Festival. The event is taking place for the first time, and aims to present Bulgarian cuisine and traditional Bulgarian products to a Japanese audience, Bulgaria’s diplomatic..

published on 8/28/25 1:07 PM

The sea hides many dangers - what is the advice of lifeguards?

The beach, waves, sea and blue cloudless sky. But in order for the vacation to remain serene, everyone should be well aware of the risks that this seemingly calm picture of summer hides. In their practice, lifeguards have repeatedly..

published on 8/25/25 4:15 PM
Photo: BECC „Kliment Ohridski“ Washington DC

The Bulgarian Educational and Cultural Center "St. Kliment Ohridski" in Washington DC - a small corner of our homeland

There are many Bulgarian schools in the United States, with the oldest one founded by the Bulgarian diaspora in Chicago. In addition to the well-known Sunday schools, there are many other forms of educational initiatives through which the Bulgarian..

published on 8/24/25 7:15 AM