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Events
International Festival of Masquerade Games 27 - 29 Jan 2006 (biennial),Pernik, Sofia, Bulgaria.
International Festival of Masquerade Games is one of the most important cultural events in Bulgaria, taking place every two years in the town of Pernik, near Sofia.
More than 3000 masked participants from all over Bulgaria take part in fancy-dress parades and dances. Costumes and game performances are judged by a jury consisting of ethno, folk and culture specialists.
The festival opens with a scientific seminar on the power of masks and a retrospective exhibition on Bulgarian arts and crafts, held at the Palace of Culture on 27 January, while a concert by folklore groups from abroad concludes it at 6.30pm on 29 January in Krakra Square.
The origins of this tradition stretch back to ancient pagan times when the Thracians and Slavs ruled the land. It was belived that the mask had the power to protect its wearer against evil, which explains why costumes have a fearful appearance. Today the festival is still as popular as ever, providing a mystical fusion of rhythm, sound and colour.
Festival of Roses, May - June 2006 (annual), Kazanluk, Bulgaria
Bulgaria the rose is a symbol of youth, beauty and health. Of the thousands of different varieties in the world, only three or four produce oil. Of these, the Kazanluk rose, which has been produced in the Valley of the Roses for over 300 years, is the best. This traditional event celebrates its harvest in the town of Kazanluk.
The Kazanluk rose yields 70 per cent of the world's attar of roses (rose oil), which is an essential ingredient in perfume production.
In late May and early June every year the rose-picking season starts in the valley, which stretches between the Balkan Range and the Sredna Gora Mountains. Picking starts at dawn, before sunrise and before the rose fragrance has had a chance to disappear.
This is the time of the Festival of Roses, which usually takes place on the first weekend in June. The festivities begin on Friday night with a parade and exhibitions of dancing from youth groups across Bulgaria and Eastern Europe. The carnival begins and continues on Saturday, when there is a competition to find the best local dance troupe and a choral concert in Shipka Cathedral in the evening. Usually there is a new art exhibition at the Archaeological Museum and Art Gallery to coincide with the event.
On Sunday the celebration takes place in the rose fields, with singing, dancing and ritual rose picking by children and adults dressed in traditional costume before everyone heads to the Rose Museum for the ritual crowning of the Rose Queen.
Young women carry bread and rose liquor as offerings to the Rose King and Queen and VIPs. Outside the Kukeries begin - masked men and boys in traditional costumes with huge bells hanging from their arms, hips and ankles make plenty of noise and have a lot of fun to mark the end of the event.
Verdi Festival, June 2006 (annual), Plovdiv, Bulgaria
The ancient Roman amphitheater in the historic old town of Plovdiv presents its annual Verdi Festival. The event has become one of the biggest summer attractions in the city, hosting renowned guest producers and conductors and attracting a wide international audience.
The festival's previous productions have included Verdi's Troubadour and Aida, Puccini's Madame Butterfly and Don Quixote by Jules Messenat. Every year the event concludes with a gala concert.
For full programme details, please visit the Plovdiv City Guide Website. http://www.plovdivcityguide.com |
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Events
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2 Balkan countries in 1 tour
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Find out more about the history, culture and traditions of two Balkan countries in an 8-day roundtrip, showing the highlights of Bulgaria and Macedonia. ...
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Monastery Tour
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Bulgarian monasteries are a remarkable mixture of religion, history and art. The Rila Monastery, the Bachkovo Monastery and the Rozhen monastery are absolutely obligatory stops. ...
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Wine Tour
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Taste the unique Bulgarian wines and visit centuries-old wine cellars. Get acquainted with the process of wine production, visit the picturesque vineyards of Bulgaria and you will inevitably become an admirer of the Bulgarian wine ...
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