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Bulgaria is famous for its stunning natural landscapes which comprise the snowy mountain ranges of Rila and the Balkan Mountains; winding lush green forested valleys; miles of golden sand beaches along the Black Sea coast; and the rippling waters of still lakes which are enveloped by historic caves.
But, aside from its spectacular natural delights my destination Bulgaria is also home to some of the world’s most entertaining and fascinating festivals, ranging from folk, rock and jazz music, to crafts, arts and flower worshipping, and there is no better time to visit this historical country than during the sweltering summer months.
Varna Summer International Jazz Festival
Even if you are not a fan of jazz music, this event is guaranteed to get you tapping your toes at some point during the three-day festival which takes place at the end of July or beginning of August each year.
The Varna Summer International Jazz Festival is organised by NordicSounds and directed by Anatoly Vapirov and features some of the world’s best jazz musicians and artists within the picturesque surroundings of the popular Black Sea coastal city.
Varno boasts a large selection of hotels in Bulgaria to suit all budgets but make sure you book accommodation early as this festival is a popular one for both international tourists and Bulgarians.
Rose Festival
If you’re a nature lover, this is one of the most beautiful festivals you can take part in. The Rose Festival is hosted by the town of Kazanlak in the southern province of Stara Zagora during the first week of June every year and is dedicated to flowers, beauty, spring and the fragrance of the Kazanlak rose. Kazanlak is the centre of Bulgaria’s rose oil extraction and during the festival the towns bursts into colour as the oil producing flower blooms and the air is filled with the delightful scent.
On the last day of the floral festivities, a beauty pageant is staged and the most beautiful girl in the town is crowned as the “The Queen of Roses”.
The Rose Festival first took place in 1903 and over the decades it has attracted visitors from all over the world who join in the festivities which celebrate one of mother’s nature finest creations.
International Folklore Festival
Bulgaria is famous for its folk music and traditions and the International Folklore Festival attracts ensembles, dance groups, soloists and musicians from all over the globe who gather annually to share their passion for Folklore.
The event takes place at the Nestia Folklore Centre in Sofia between 9th and 13th June with the aim to strengthen friendships and understanding between the many different cultures.
During the event, there are workshops, performance and concerts and plenty of opportunities to have a go on the accordion or a strum on the traditional Bulgarian tambura.
Once you’ve hopped and skipped until your heart’s content, reward yourself with a nice cold Zagorka beer or grape Rakia and sit back and enjoy the Folklore festivities.
Calling all single ladies! This festival is not to be missed if you are a single lady on the hunt for the love of your life. The Ladouvane festival, also known as Singing to Rings, takes place in regions across Bulgaria on Midsummer’s Day (on or around 24th June). In some region’s this event occurs on New Year’s Eve so if you are planning on taking part, ask at the local tourist information office for date details in advance.
During the festivities, rings are fastened with red thread to a bunch of foliage from perennial plants, such as basil or ivy, which are then dropped into a cauldron (yes they do actually exist), filled with natural spring water along with oats and barley which symbolise fertility. The cauldron is then left overnight under the twinkling stars.
The next day, all of the unmarried maidens return to the site and perform a dance ritual (the Ladouvane) around the cauldron before their fortunes are told.
If you have tried, tested, and failed with online dating, speed dating, cheesy chat-up lines, and push-up bras, this could be the festival which will change your life! Just remember, if you want to fit in with the local girls, bring along a brightly coloured apron and a shiny pair of dancing shoes.
Pierrot
This event highlights just one Bulgaria’s many weird and wonderful festivals – a puppet show for adults. Yes, adults. Unlike the typical Punch and Judy show which frequent the pebbly beaches of the UK, Pierrot is Bulgaria’s international puppet theatre festival for adults, which takes place at the State Puppet Theatre in Stara Zagora in Southern Bulgaria.
The festival takes place biannually between 24th and 29th September and features puppet theatre art which represents the friendship and understanding between nations with different cultures and traditions.
If you see yourself as the next creator of an award-winning puppet show where you could rub shoulders at award ceremonies with the likes of Elmo from Sesame Street or Sooty and Sweep, the organisers of this festival are often on the lookout for fresh new professional puppeteers!
Author Bio: Anna Ridley
Anna Ridley is a freelance travel writer who has a passion for travel, writing and fizzy wine. After living in the French Alps for two years, she now lives back by the beach in Cornwall where she is attempting to work her way through her “bucket list”.
