The Damask rose grown here gives "розово масло"
(rose oil), a precious perfume ingredient. Flowers are picked by hand in May and June, early in the morning while the dew is still on them. Kazanlak holds a Rose Festival every June. The word "роза"
is easy; its plural is "рози"
.
Explore Bulgaria
The Rose Valley
Between the Balkan Mountains and Sredna Gora lies "Долината на розите"
— the Rose Valley around Kazanlak and Karlovo.
Animsaj · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
History of Bulgaria
An illustrated history of Bulgaria
Explore Bulgaria
Artkostov · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source
The fire dancers
In a few villages of the Strandzha Mountains, "нестинари"
(fire dancers) dance barefoot on glowing embers — "жар"
— holding icons of Saints Constantine and Helena.
Wishes for every occasion
Bulgarians love good wishes.
Sjordanov · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source
Kukeri — the mask dancers
In winter, especially around New Year and before Lent, groups of "кукери"
go through towns and villages in huge masks, goat and sheep furs and heavy bells tied at the waist.