Our Country

Bulgarian traditions were created thousands of years ago. One very important part of the Bulgarian culture are Bulgarian traditions and customs. Their traditions are related to Bulgarian history, religion and trusts.

Bulgarians perform their traditional rituals on the holidays and believe that the rituals will bring happiness, health, love and fertility. Only in Bulgaria people" survakat" on Christmas. Only Bulgarians wear "martenitsi" and only Bulgarians celebrate Baba Marta on 1 March. And these are some of our incredible rituals.
Bulgaria is a country with many beauties and monuments. There are countless relics in the museums. The distinctive villages and the buildings there are amazing. We had many wonderful capitals with castles and churches.
Bulgaria is a great place to visit! And we are proud of being Bulgarians and we want to conserve our traditions.

Bulgarian Treasures

Bulgarian Treasures

The Panagyurishte Treasure

The Panagyurishte Treasure is a Thracian treasure from the end of 4th-the beginning of the 3rd century BC. It was found in 1949, two kilometers away from Panagyurishte. The treasure consists of a beautiful golden service with amazing decoration. It was used for feasts or secret rituals, part of the Thracian mythology. There are nine objects made of pure gold with combined weight more than 6 kg. Four of the rhytons are made as heads or the front part of an animal’s body(ram, goat and 2 deers). On top of the rhytons are portrayed mythological scenes and heroes from the ancient Greek history. One of them features the wedding of the god  Dionys and princess Adriadna. Three of the objects are pitchers in the form of the head of the Amazon. The handles of these pitchers are made as centaur - a mythological animal with the head of a human and the body of a horse.

Master workmanship also has the object with the form of a baking dish. On top of it  four circles are engraved ,  each with 24 ornaments on it. The ornaments are getting smaller from the edge toward the centre. Most interesting in shape and decoration is the big amphora-like object. It’s handles are made as two battling centaurs. It also features the little Hercules fighting with the snake. Again there are magnificent mythological scenes all over the treasure.

The Panagyurishte Treasure has enormous importance for studying of the Thracians, their lives, their connections with other populations and their believes. The treasure is a priceless and beautiful witness of the ancient world.

The Letnitsa Treasure

In 1963 shepherds from Letnitsa decided to make themselves a new cabin. They started digging and on 50-60 meters depth they hit something. It turned out to be a bronze container. When they took it out they found silver objects in it. Most of them had gold backing. After a scientific investigation it was proved that the treasure was a Thracian trestle from the 4th century BC. 23 silver-gold objects! A few different workmanships could be seen. There were real and mythical animals portrayed. The horse, symbol for the sun among the Thracians, had been worshiped when the treasure had been made.

The discovery clearly shows that the objects were a possession of a rich man from the time of Kotis I(4th century BC). The Letnitsa’s treasure is one of the most important examples of the Thracian mastery and its finding was a huge contribution to the studying of the Thracian culture.

The silver blocks with gold backing are unique not only for the Thracian’s land but for whole Europe. They’re with different shape and portray different mythical scenes. One of the main scenes is the marriage of the Thracian master with the Earth Goddess. The Letnitsa’s treasure can be seen in the National archaeological museum.

Tsvetnitsa

Tsvetnitsa is the last big church holiday before Easter.It is always on Sunday.

On this day everyone goes to  church and holds in  hands lighted up willow branches,which replace the palm branches – it is like they again meet their Saver.

Pastors lit the branches and the flowers,bring by the faithful.After worship Christians take illuminated willow branches to their homes for health and to prevent sickness and evil.Usually they are wrapped wreaths to be hung about the house or home over the altar.

Theatre

The beginning of the theater in Bulgaria is placed first with the construction of libraries. They weren’t only a center for science but also for culture. For a long time  the performances were amateur. Even female roles were performed by men. During the Renaissance, the wealthier Bulgarians  sent their children to study abroad and returning they brought the European experience and ideas. Initially there weren’t professional artists, but traveling troupes were touring the country and gave performances.
In 1881 in Plovdiv  the first professional theatre was founded. The majority of the actors were self-taught, but some were trained overseas, mainly in Russia. There, the young actors were trained in the methods of Stanislavsky - our famous actors (for Theater, Adriana Budevska, Atanas Kirchev etc.) and Nikolay Chekhov, who later went to America and there carried  the same methodology. Thus the Bulgarian theater became part of world culture. In 1948, in Sofia the first state university school of acting was opened.

The National Theatre “Ivan Vazov” is the oldest and reputable theater in Bulgaria. It was built in 1906,  designed by Viennese architects Hermann Helmer and Ferdinand Fellner.



Krastio Sarafov is a Bulgarian stage actor. He studied at St. Petersburg and debuted in 1899 with his role “Inspector”. The majority of his roles was played in the National Theater.

Adriana Budevska is a Bulgarian actress and one of the founders of the professional theater in Bulgaria. She is considered to be one of the best  performers in tragic roles.

The recent years are great renaissance of theater because the actors and directors are looking for new means of expression. Bulgarian theater isn’t world famous because of the specificity of our language, but there are several new theater groups, which translate Bulgarian playwrights and play productions in foreign languages worldwide. Cosmopolitan society helps  the development of theater and culture, because translation of the play is facilitated with the development of communications.

Stoyanka Mutafova is a Bulgarian actress, born in Sofia. She has worked in Prague, but the bigger part of her life  she spent working at the National Theater. Today she is one of the most popular actresses in Bulgaria.

Georgi Kaloyanchev is a Bulgarian actor, born in 1925 in Burgas. He is starring in over 60 plays and 63 films. He is an actor who will remain forever in the minds of Bulgarians.

Tatyana Lolova is a  loved Bulgarian actress, known mainly for her  comic roles in films and in theater. She is also author of the autobiography book “Half life”

Stefan Danailov is known actor and politician. He has participated in 53 films and many theatrical productions. Since 2005 Stefan Danailov is the previous Bulgarian Minister of Culture.

Hristo Botev

Hristo Botev (1848-1876)
Botev is briliant author and revolutionary. He was born in the town Kalofer and his father is the teacher Botio Petkov. He was a student in Odesa. Hristo Botev emigrated to Romania in 1867. He was a teacher in Aleksandria and Izmail from 1869 until 1871. He published the newspapers ''Alarm clock'', ''Flag'' and ''New Bulgaria''. He died on 20 May 1876. He was killed in the war.

The Hanging of Vasil Levski

O my Mother, dear Motherland
Why weep you so mournfully, so plaintively?
And you, raven, cursed bird -
On whose grave croak you with such a dread?


Ah, I know - I know you're weeping, Mother
Because you are a dismal slave,
Because your holy voice, Mother
Is a helpless voice - a voice in the wilderness.

Weep! There, near the edge of Sofia town

Stretches - I saw it - a dismal gallows

And one of your sons, Bulgaria

Hangs from it with a terrible power.

The raven croaks dreadfully, ominously

Dogs and wolves howl in the fields,
Old people pray to God with fervor
Women weep, children cry.

Winter croons its evil song,
Gales sweep thistle across the field
And cold and frost and hopeless weeping
Heep sorrow on your heart.

Dobri Chintulov

Dobri Chintulov (1822- 1886)

Dobri Chintulov was born in the town  of Sliven. He was a student in Odesa (Odesa in a city in Russia) from 1839 until 1840. He published his first poem in the newspaper ''Tsarigratski vestnik''. From 1850 he was a teacher in Bulgaria. He is the author of many Bulgarian patriotic songs.

Leaders of Bulgarian Nation

Paisii Hilendarski

The founder of the Bulgarian Revival is considered St Paisii Hilendarski. In 1762 he wrote his famous treatise "Slav-Bulgarian History" (Istoriya Slavyano-Balgarska). The book is a kind of call to the Bulgarians for national awakening and struggle against their oppressors. "Slav-Bulgarian History " is transmitted and copied by the Bulgarian people as a sacred relic.
St Pisii was born in 1722 in Bansko. Although with no education, 23 years old, he went to Hilendar monastery, where he became a priest and podigumen. Two years collecting materials and finishes in history in 1762.
”Slav-Bulgarian History is is a cross-piece which interweaves elements of history, autobiography and journalism. Contains medieval and Renaissance features. Paisii opposes Bulgaria to Greece and Serbia, pointing out its advantages for people to raise their self-esteem.

Sofronii Vrachanski

The activity of Hilendarski has a worthy successor in the person of another national leaders - Sofronii Vrachanski. He is the author of the first Bulgarian printed book, published in 1806. The book is a compendium of festive teachings under the title "Nedelnik". Sofroni Vrachanski reached the conviction that a successful liberation struggle of the Bulgarian people need to be raised primarily level education. It calls for education, liturgy and literature to be spoken Bulgarian language to be accessible to everyone. Sofronii aims to build lasting in people's consciousness of Bulgarian nationality.

  Luben Karavelov 

The  movement of liberation during  the Renaissance brings into the world new revolutionary figures.

The Bulgarian Revolutionary Central Committee has been created in 1869.It merges two big revolutionary movements – the democrats and the liberals. Luben Karavelov  shows the true face of social relations Ottoman Empire in his issues of the newspaper “Svoboda” /”Freedom”/ . He presents the Ottoman government  as an enemy of freedom and progress of  all Balkan states  .

  Vasil Levski 

Vasil Kunchev , mostly known as Vasil Levski , is may be one of the most famous leaders of Bulgarian Nation . The base of his political ideology is his faith in natural power of Bulgarian people. He defines the biggest aim of the liberating struggle against the Ottoman slavery with general revolution leading to changing the public system to democratic republic.

 

Hristo Botev 

Hristo Botev is a follower of the idea of uniting all Balkan nations into one .He is a revolutionary but also and a  poet and publisher. Botev rationalizes the most progressive ideas of Russia. He yearns for a revolt and becomes one of the ardent Bulgarian leaders, the one who outlines the strategic and tactical aims of the revolutionary struggle of Bulgarian nation.

Ivan Vazov

Ivan Vazov (1850-1921)
Probably the best Bulgarian writer!
Vazov was born in the town Sopot in 1850. He was a pupil in Kalofer and a student in The High School in Plovdiv. Reading used to be his hobby and his favoutre authors were Alphonse de Lamartine, Pierre-Jean de Béranger and Victor Hugo. He was studing French. His first book of poetry was ''Пряпорец и гусла''. In 1870 he emigrated to Romania but he came back to Bulgaria a few months later.

Ivan Vazov has more than 50 creations. Some of his stories are ''Grandfather Iotso Is Watching'' ''One Bulgarian Women'' ''Is It Coming''. The most popular of Vazov`s poems are ''The Volunteers at Shipka'' ''Levski'' ''Where is Bulgaria'' ''I am a Bulgarian'' and other. The first Vazov`s novel is ''Under the Slavery''. Many people think this is the best Bulgarian novel.


The volunteers at Shipka





(August 11, 1877)



What if we still carry shame on our forehead,
Marks of the whip, signs of bondage abhorrent;
What if remembrance of infamous days
Hangs like a cloud over all we survey;
What if in history no place we're allotted,
What if our name be a tragic one, what if
Old Belasitsa and recent Batak
Over our past throw their deep shadows black;
What if men mockingly laugh in our faces,
Pointing to newly lost fetters, to traces
Still on our necks of the ages-long yoke;
What if this freedom was gives our folk?
What of it? We know a recent true story,
A shining new symbol, a symbol of glory,
That proudly within every bosom pulsates
And noble strong feeling within us awakes;
There on a mounting that glows in the distance,
Heaven's blue vault on its broad shoulder lifting,
Rises a famous wild peak with blood on its moss,
A monument huge to a deed that's immortal,
Because a deep memory lives in the Balkans,
Because there's a name that shall live for all time,
As bright as a legend in history it shines,
A new name, its roots to antiquity tracing,
As great ad Thermopylae, all fame embracing,
A same to wipe shame away, with its plain truth
Smashing to smithereens calumny's tooth.

O Shipka!
For three days out youthful battalions
The pass have defended. The high mountain valleys
Re-echo the battle's tumultuous roar.
The onslaught's ferocious! Again the dense hordes
Along the ravine for the twelfth time are crawling
Where warm blood is flowing and bodies are sprawling.
Assault on assault! Swarm on swarm they advance!
Once more at the towering peak Suleiman
is pointing: "Rush forward! Up there are the rayahs!"
Away race the hordes in a rage wild and dire,
A thunderous "Allah" re-echoes afar.
The summit replies with a rousing "Hurrah!",
A hail of fresh bullets and tree trunks and boulders;
Spattered with blood, our battalions boldly
Retaliate, every man in his own way
Striving to be in the front of the fray,
Each, like a hero, death bravely defying,
Determined to leave one more enemy dying.
Cannon are pounding. The Turks with a cry
Rush up the slope where they tumble and die;
Coming like tigers, like sheep they go flying,
Then come once again: the Bulgarians fighting
Like lions are running along the redoubt,
Neither heat, thirst nor toil are they worried about.
The onslaught is fierce, the rebuff no less stout.
For three days they fight but no help is arriving,
And no hope is visible on the horizon,
And no brother eagles come swiftly with aid.
No matter. They'll die, but die true, unafraid -
As died the brave Spartans who stood against Xerxes.
Fresh waves are now rolling up; all are alerted!
A last effort's needed: the moment is grave.
And then does Stoletov, our general brave,
Roar words of great courage: "Young volunteer fighters,
Now crown Bulgaria with laurels of triumph!
The Tsar has entrusted the pass, the whole war,
Himself even, unto these muscles, of yours!"
Thus heartened, our proud and heroic battalions
Courageously meet the next thrust of the rallying
Enemy hordes! O heroic time!
Fresh waves of assailants the cliffs now climb.
Our men have no bullets, with bravery girded,
Their bayonets broken, their breasts ever sturdy,
They're all to a man ready gladly to die
On the ridge which the whole of the world can descry,
To die here like heroes triumphant, victorious .
"The whole of Bulgaria watches, supports us,
The peak is a high one: if we run away,
She'll see us – so better to die here today!"
No weapons are left! What remains is the slaughter!
Each stone is a bomb and each tree-trunk a sword is.
Each object – a blow, and each soul – flame that sears.
From the peak every tree, every stone disappears.
"Grab hold of the bodies!" they hear a voice crying,
At once through the air lifeless corpses are flying,
And over the hordes like black devils they dive
And tumble and roll as if they were alive!
The Turks quake and tremble, not having seen ever
The living and death fight a battle together,
And raise a shrill cry of demoniac rage.
In life and death combat the armies engage.
Our heroes, there standing as steady as boulders,
Meet bayonet steel with steel breasts no less boldly,
And sing as they cast themselves into the fray
When they realize Death shall now snatch them away.
But still our young heroes rebuff, sink and swallow
The hordes that is wave upon wave swiftly follow.
The peak any minute shall ours be no more.
Then suddenly Radetzky arrives with a roar.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
And today, every time there's a storm in the mountain,
The summit recall this grim day and, recounting
The story, its echoing glory relays
From valley ti valley, from age unto age!

Nikova Vaptsarov

Nikola Vaptsarov (1909- 1942)

Vaptsarov was born in the town Bansko. He was a student in The High School in the town Razlog. After that he was a student in The Military School in Varna. And after that he was a probationer on a warship in the port of Burgas. He traveled to Istanbul, Alexandria,Cyprus by warships. When he finished school, he worked as an editor, mechanic in a factory, stoker in a train and his life used to be very difficult. In 1940 he published his one and only book of poetry. In 1942 Vaptsarov was given a death sentence and was killed because he was a member of an illegal group of anti- fascists.

ON PARTING

                                    To My Wife

Sometimes I'll come when you're asleep,
An unexpected visitor.
Don't leave me outside in the street.
Don't bar the door!
I'll enter quietly, softly sit.
And gaze upon you in the dark.
Then when my eyes have gazed their fill,
I'll kiss you and depart

Monuments

Babinite Vidini Kuli (Grandmother`s turrets of Vidin)
The stronghold was built 10 centuries ago on the ruined Roman castle called Bononia. In the past there were big bridges made of rope between the turrsts. The stronghold defended the town Vidin from enemy`s armies. The stronghold was a prison from XIV century untill XIX century. But today Babinite Vidini Kuli are only an attraction for the tourists in Bulgaria.

Asenovata Krepost (The Asen`s Stronghold)

The stronghold is not far from the town Asenovgrad, near the Chepelarska river. The stronghold was built more than 10 cnuries ago. The king Ivan Asen II expanded the stronghold but the Turkish army destroyed it. And now there is only one church...

Perperikon

Perperikon is a sanctuary, located in the Rhodopes, 15 km northeast of the town of Kardzhali. At its foot is the village of Gorna Krepost, which runs until Perpereshka river flowing into the lake “Studen kladenec”. The archaeological complex consists of a large megalith sanctuary, the holy city and fortress. Supposedly, it was celebrated in ancient sanctuary of Dionysus, the Thracian tribe Satrae.Even the Romans were making sacrifices to Dionysus on the sanctuary. It is believed that Perperikon is even older than the Egyptian pyramids.

Movies

 It  is believed  that the first film, created in the world, was “Workers leaving the factory”,which was shot in 1895 . At that time Bulgaria was an economic upswing, so only 20 years later  the first Bulgarian film “Balgran is a gallant” (1915) was projected . The film was black and white and silent, and it remained only one or two frames.
Unfortunately, the Bulgarian cinema is not very developed in the coming years because of  the country's participation in several consecutive wars. Only after World War II  they began to build summer cinemas, and  memorable movies were created, some of which remain forever in the minds of Bulgarians. It’s operated mainly in three genres – historical films, comedies and dramas.

At the time of communism, the state paid a lot for the creation of new films and television productions. One of the most popular films of that time “Goat Horn” [Koziyat Rog] (1972), which won numerous international awards. At that time  the films: “Split Time”, “Orchestra without a Name”, “Ladies Invite” and many others were shot .

In 1964, the director Nedelcho Chernev created the first Bulgarian series “The Blond and the Dove”. But the most famous Bulgarian series aired in all socialist countries was “On Every Kilometer”.
After the changes in the Eastern block, Bulgarian movies  enter a new crisis and reduce the production of films, but with the becoming  of Bulgaria a member of  the European Union ,they began to create new modern films.

Churches

Shipka Memorial Church

Temple-monument "Christmas", known in Bulgaria as Shipka Monastery was built between 1886 and 1902 in memory of the fallen Russian, Moldavian, Romanian, Ukrainian, Finnish officers and soldiers and Bulgarian volunteers in defense of the Shipka Pass in  The Russian- Turkish War of 1877-1878 .

The temple is a basilica. It was built in the style of the Russian church tradition. Outside its domes are gilded. It’s one of the most beautiful churches in Bulgaria.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia

The cathedral is an Orthodox Church in Sofia. It serves as the Cathedral Church of the Bulgarian Patriarch, and is one of the historical places in Bulgaria with a long history.

Its main stone was laid during the reign of Prince Alexander Battenberg on February 19, 1882. The construction began in 1904. Built on a total area of 3170 square meters and its total CC was 86 000 cubic meters. Its height is 50.52 meters, while the central dome - 46 feet.

In the inner part of the cathedral with its impressive dimensions, the architectural harmony of lines, space and rich artistic decoration.

The church “St. Cyril and Methodius”

The church “St. Cyril and Methodius” is the oldest Christian church in Burgas. It was built in 1907. Rises in the center of town and is one of its characters.

 The cathedral is built on an area of 516 sq.m, as its length is 32 meters, width - 21 meters.

”St Cyril and Methodius” was built as a three-nave basilica. Its architecture is impressive with magnificent facade and opulent end of the dome roof. The whole building is Aitos mason green stone, brick and marble. The interior is richly ornamented as impressive are the five pairs of marble arches that seem to divide into two temples.

Church of Christ Pantocrator, Nessebar
 

This is an Orthodox church in Nessebar, Bulgaria. It’s part of world heritage by UNESCO. It’s one of the best preserved and most beautiful churches in Nessebar, which has over 42 churches in it’s old part.

Name Days

-What is name day?

-In Bulgaria, people celebrate a special holiday of their names. People with same names, celebrate on the same day. That is a very famous holiday in Bulgaria, and everybody celebrates  it like a birthday. Bulgarian name days are:

Vasilyovden- 1 January
Vasiliov den is the day of Saint Vasilii. People called Vasil, Vasilka, Vasko, Vaska, Veska, Vesela, Veselina and Valcho celebrate their name day on 1 January.

Gergyovden- 6 May
6 May is the day of Martyr George Victorious who  killed a big monster. On this day Bulgarian families always eat lamb meat. People called George, Gosho, Joro, Gergana, Gergina, Gerga celebrate their name day on 6 May.

Dimitrovden- 26 October
Dimitrov den is the day of Saint Dimitar. And everyone with the name Dimitar, Dimitrina, Mita, Mitka, Mitko, Mitio, Dimo, Dima or Dimka celebrates Dimitrovden.

Ivanovden- 7 January
7 January is the day of Saint Ioan Baptist. People with the names Ivan, Ivana, Ivanka, Iva, Ivanina and Ivancho celebrate on 7 January.

Arhangelovden- 8 November
Arhangelov den is the day of Saint Mihail. Saint Mihail is an angel who always stands next to God. People with names Anglel, Mihail, Rangel, Raina, Radka and Milka celebrate their name day on Arhangelovden.

Yordanovden- 6 January
On this day Jesus Christ was baptized in river Iordan. And everyone one with the name Iordan, Iordanka, Dancho, Dana, Boian, Bogdan, Bogdana celebrates Iordanovden.

Atanasovden- 18 January
Atanasovden is the day of Saint Atanas. On this day people say: Go away winter, come summer! . Everyone with the name Atanas, Atanasko, Tasko, Nasko, Traiko, Jivko, Traian, Traiana, Traika has name day on 18 January.

Todorovden- On the Saturday of the first week of The Long Lent
Todorovden is the day of Saint Todor and it is famous as the day of the horse too. Saint Todor is the patron of the horses. People called Todor, Todorka, Teodora and Dora celebrate their name day on Todorovden.

Petrovden- 29 June
Petrovden is the day of two apostles. Their names are Peter and Pavel. On this day everyone with the name Petar, Pavel, Petya, Petranka and Pavlina celebrates his name day.

Andreevden- 30 November
Saint Andrei was a student of Jesus Christ and he is a brother of the apostle Petar. This holiday is famous in Bulgaria as Mechkinden too. People with names Andrei, Andreia and Adrian have name day on 30 November.

Enyovden- 24 June
This is the birthday of Saint Ioan and 24 June is very famous as the day of the Sun. People say that this is the day when the herbs are the most medicative. People with names Encho, Enyo,Yani, Yana, Yanka, Yanita, Yanko, Yancho.

Antonovden- 17 January
This is a traditional Bulgarian name day. Antonovden is the day of Saint Anton and everyone with name Anton, Andon, Antoniq, Antoaneta and Tonin celebrates on 17 January.

Vyara, Nadejda i Lyubov (Faith, Hope and Love) – 17 September
This is the day of the sisters Saint Vyara, Saint Nadejda, Saint Lyubov and their mother Saint Sofia. In English Vyara means Faith, Nadejda means Hope and Lyubov means Love. Women with names Vyara, Nadejda, Lyubov and Sofia have name day on 17 September.

Simeonovden- 1 September
This is the day of Saint Simeon. Bulgarians say that Saint Simeon comes with the fall. Everyone with the name Simeon celebrates on 1 September.

Nikulden- 6 December
Nikulden is one very importanat Bulgarian holiday. This is the day of Saint Nikola. He is the  patron of  fishermen, bankers and  sailors. On this day people in Bulgaria always eat craps. And this is the holiday of Burgas, our town. Everyone with the  name Nikolai, Nikola, Nikolina, Nikol, Nikoleta, Nina, Kolyo or Nana has name day on Nikulden.

Spasovden- 40 days after Easter
On this day Jesus Christ went to the sky. Everyone with name Spas or Spaska celebrates Spasovden.

Stefanovden- 27 December
20 December is the day of Saint Stefan. On this day people in Bulgaria don`t do any work at home. And people called Stefan, Stefka or Stefani celebrate their name day on 27 December.

Trifonovden- 14 February
Trifonovden or Trifon Zarezan is very famous as the day of the vines. Saint Trifon is  the patron of the grape and wine-producers. Men with name Trifon have name day on 14 February.

Bulgarian Monuments

Bulgaria is a country with an amazing nature and a huge number of culture monuments. Thousands of priceless historical relics can be found in our museums. We have had great capitals, enormous castles, monasteries, churches. And our original villages amaze not only the tourists.

Kazanlak Tomb

The Kazanlak Tomb was found accidentally in 1944. It’s from the time of the Odrysian kingdom (4th century BC). It’s also the tomb in best shape. The Kazanlak tomb was already robbed in ancient times.

The tomb has rectangular entrance made of stone blocks with proportions 2.60 on 1.84 meters. It has vaulted hall from well-done bricks, 1.96 long  and  1.12 meters wide; the  brick grave chamber  is 3.25 meters high.

  The wall-paintings that show battles scenes are unique- with figures of warriors with helmets, long spears and big shields. The central scene is dedicated to the Thracian hero and his wife who are having feasting, holding hands and wearing wreaths on their heads. They’re surrounded by musicians and servants. The brilliant wall-painting has been made by Atenion from the Thracian town Maroneya.

The Madara Rider

The Madara Rider from the 7-9 century is one of a kind in Europe. It’s a relief that has been cut out on 23 meters above ground on a vertical high cliff. It depicts a majestic horseman that’s probably Khan Tervel. The horseman is in real size, dressed in luxurious rich garments, with long hair, with a spear in hand, piercing a fallen lion. There’s an eagle flying in front of  him and a dog running after him. The scene symbolizes a military triumph.

Tsarevets

Tsarevets is the central of the 3rd Bulgarian capital’s three hills. It’s unapproachable, protected by Yantra river and the strong stone walls with embrasures. Here were the castles of the Bulgarian kings and the impressive patriarchal church “Saint Ascension”. The blossoming of the life and culture in Tsarevets was during the 15th century.

The stronghold had a main entrance and two small gates. On of them drops on a path that leads to the “SS. Forty Martyrs” church.   The Baldwin Tower was restored where the  Latin Emperor Baldwin I found his death.

Monasteries

“St. Ivan Rilski”  Monastery

The largest and most famous monastery in Bulgaria is located about 120 kilometers south of Sofia. Situated at 1500 meters altitude amidst the beautiful scenery of the highest mountain on the Balkan Peninsula - Rila. With its architecture, wall paintings and ancient history of the monastery is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Bulgaria.

Troyan Monastery "Assumption"

Situated in beautiful countryside on the banks of the Cherni Osam River just 10 miles east of the town of Troyan. Occurs at the beginning of the 17th century. Shortly later an unknown monk from Mount Athons monastery left a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, which to this day is among the most valuable icons of the monastery.

Ivanski Rock Monastery
 

Near the village of Ivanovo, about 12 kilometers south of Russe is one of the most interesting and valuable monuments of culture - Ivanovo Rock Monastery in the list of UNESCO world cultural heritage. The monastery is situated amidst the picturesque canyon of the River Lom and Rousse and represents a complex of churches, chapels and cells carved in the rocks about 32 feet above the river, .

Glozhen Monastery “St. George the Victorious”

Built on a high bluff, surrounded by precipices , Glozhen monastery   resembles a  medieval fortress from the  distance. It is located 2 kilometers from the village Glozhen. It is believed that it was founded in the 13th  century by the Kiev prince Glozh who arrived in these lands to seek the miraculous icon of St. George the Victorious for the healing of his sick daughter.

Dryanovo Monastery “St. Michael” 

The monastery is situated among the high limestone cliffs of the picturesque gorge of the Dryanovo river, 5 km southwest of the town of Dryanovo. It was founded in early the 17th century. Only a few kilometers from the monastery is the cave “Bacho Kiro”, where they found traces of the Paleolithic settlement in Europe.

Pirin Dances

Pirin is one  of our beautiful mountains. Its nature makes a person feel welcome and encourages him to create things of beauty and art such as the ones that surround him. In this region men and women usually dance separately and if they take part in the same dance the women dance at the rear of the line with a handkerchief held between the last man and the first woman. There are many dances in 7/8 and often the dances begin slowly and increase in speed. The style is either sustained with a catlike feel , weight being taken onto the balls of the feet slightly behind the beat (hesitation), or is characterised by fast  and low movements skimming across the ground. Men's dances include balancing movements with high knee lifts, often in shoulder hold. Women's style is graceful and light, hands are held in low hold or in 'asymmetrical' W- hold in which case the left arm is extended further than the right arm. In certain dances the arms move up and down in time with the music.

Shop Dances

Another Bulgarian style with lots of different dances in it. Shop style is probably the most difficult Bulgarian style for non-Bulgarians to master. Mostly that's because of the speed of the dances and the amount of energy necessary to dance so many steps in a short space of time. Dances are usually performed in short lines, with belt hold or crossed hand hold. Separate hand movements are not common in Shop dances. If hands are not joined they are placed on the hips with palms flat, backs facing out. The body is held upright but with weight slightly forward so it is over the balls of the feet. This allows the performance of fast small steps often referred to as "knitting with the feet". Knee lifts are abrupt and high, and are often coupled with bending the body forward. Men's and women's styles are similar. As the dancer moves the whole body, especially the shoulders, should vibrate with a type of shaking movement called "natrisanne" which gives the impression that the dancer is hardly touching the floor with his feet. Cries and shouts are also common.

Rhodopes Dances

The dances in this region are as  beautiful as it is. However, the Rhodope mountain area is known more for its strong tradition of open throat singing than for its dances. Our mountains are one of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria. On such places you feel inspiration and connection with nature. The dance style here has been subject to religious influences as this is the area of Bulgaria which has the largest Muslim population. This means that men and women usually dance separately. Religion differences are sometimes a thing that throws a shadow over the beauty of dances and nature. The style is subdued and heavy, with small steps and low hops using the whole foot. Hands are joined in low or "W" hold. Women's dances are usually accompanied by songs.

Trakija Dances

The most deceptive Bulgarian dance style is probably Thracian style. At first it appears  relatively easy style to learn, but it takes a great deal of practice to really dance the dances from this region with the smoothly flowing, graceful movements evident when watching both men and women who have been born in this area, and it is a style that is easily lost. Dance with relaxed knees, that’s the most important key to Thracian style. Steps are taken onto the whole foot, with the body weight centered over the feet. Hands are held in "W" hold or low hold or are used for smooth flowing arm movements.

In this region dances are based mainly on a 2/4 rhythm especially in Eastern Thrace. More common in Western Thrace ,especially in the area close to the Shop region ,are irregular rhythms such as 5/8, 7/16 and 9/16. The tropoli (tapping) step is found only in Eastern Thrace (Stara Zagora, Sliven, Yambol Districts) and is danced only by men. Women dance with a less flamboyant style than the men. Pair dances are more common in Trakija than other regions.

Dobruja Dances

First of all, to get the feeling of Dobrujan dancing ,stand with your feet apart and bend your knees as far as you  comfortably can with your feet flat on the floor, push your ribs forward while keeping your back straight and stay there throughout the dance! Dobrujans dance with their knees always bent and their backs hollow. They all seem to be of short stature and solid.

With the dance a story is told- the life is hard for the Dobrujan farmer as he has to struggle with nature in order to survive, so his dancing, with strong downward movements, expresses his struggle with the land.

When a Dobrujan dances he uses his whole body. Hands are joined crossed in front, in belt hold, in "W" hold or placed with the back of hand on hips,the  palms open and facing outwards. They are also used for strong, firm, positive arm movements. Men and women dance together, though there are some dances for men or women only. Women's movements are simpler and lighter with slight shoulder twists.

Northern Dances

Another region that contributes to our colorful dances. The dances from the North of Bulgaria are mainly mixed, with similar styles for men and women. They are danced with an upright body carriage, with weight over the balls of the feet which allows the dancer to perform fast footwork with high knee lifts and various crossing steps similar to those found in dances from southern Romania. The impetus is upwards, hops are further off the ground than in the Shop region and knee lifts are less sharp.

There are some typical positions of course. In this region a variety of hand "positions" and movements are common. These include hands joined in low hold and swung backwards and forwards, joined in "W" hold in which case the arms "jig" up and down in time with the music making small circular movements, joined crossed behind backs  or placed on hips, thumbs back.

Bulgarian National Dances

Bulgaria is famous with its national dances. We have a huge variety of folk dance styles. Our country is very popular among international folk dancers. Even though the moves are important and sometimes difficult , in Bulgaria the main thing is the passion. When we dance you can see our feelings, our fire, our passion.

Our dances range from the simple village dance with one basic pattern that repeats to highly complex choreographies. Most of the dances that we enjoy in our country fall in between these two extremes. They are usually slightly more complex arrangements of traditional village dances, possibly combining several figures from adjoining villages or else including several of the more interesting variations performed by the village "extroverts". We usually dance a fixed number of variations in an agreed order which have been "put together". Most Bulgarians are able to join  dances, such as" pravo horo" or improvised " ruchenitsas"|. Everyone in our country knows at least the basics of these dances. We perform them together at social gatherings such as weddings. We don’t just watch the best dancers for fun, we have fun while dancing, everyone as much as he can.

Bulgarian folk dances are normally line dances, with hands joined either in low "V" hold, belt hold, crossed in front or "W" hold. Footwork can vary from fast intricate steps to slow sustained cat-like movements.

In the different regions in our country we dance different dances. We all know them but we also know which part of Bulgaria they’re typical for. We enjoy watching the dances we cannot perform and then performing for the enjoyment of others. There are five different regions where our national dances are concerned. One of the most interesting ways of identifying the regional style differences is to look at the way that the basic Pravo Horo is danced in each region. In Trakija it is danced in a smooth flowing, graceful style. In the Shop Region it is jerky with small hopped steps and lifted knees. The Dobrudjan Pravo is called Opas and is danced in a solid "earthy" style with knees always bent. The Severnjaško Pravo, called Dunavsko or Svishtovsko, is more springy, with an upward feeling, and the arms swing or "jig" in time with the feet. Pravo Rhodopsko is a simple dance with a solemn feeling, and small, restrained steps. The Pirin "Pravo" is usually in 7/8 and is what we know as Makedonsko, or Lesnoto. The 7/8 count is long, short, short, and begins with a lift on the first beat. Steps are onto the balls of the feet. Men lift their knees high while the women's feet barely leave the floor. When women only are dancing the leader of the line often performs a variation by moving back along the line of dance and dancing in a pair with the following woman.

Kukers

Kukers is a traditional ritual in Bulgaria. Actualy, only costumed mеn are performing the ritual. Their costumes cover most of the body and include decorated masks of different animals or sometimes double- faced creatures, big sticks and huge bells. Kukers can`t be women!

The kukers walk, dance and sing through the village to scare evil spirits away with the costumes and the sound of the bells, as well as to provide a good harvest, health, happiness and love to the village during the year. They dance in the last days of the winter, just before nature comes back to life.

The ritual is mixture between Christian and pagan traditions.

The Day of St. Konstantin and St. Elena

Nestinarstvo (fire dancing)

The" nestinarstvo" is one typical Bulgarian custom. The "nestinarstvo" is dancing on hot embers without any shoes or socks. The dancers dance with  the sacred images of Saint Konstantin and Saint Elena. And the custom is still practiced today in one little village in Bulgaria called `Balgari` in the beautiful Strandzha Mountain, 18 km away from the town of Tzarevo. The ritual is performed on the Day of St. Konstantin and St. Elena on June 3 and June 4.  People think of them as chosen by the patron Saint and it is even believed that they can hear his voice and see his face during the ritual. The "nestinars" are not only women, there are also male nestinars.

The most important fact is that the feet of the "nestinars" show no signs of burned skin at all.

Bulgarian Music

Silvie Vartan is a French singer born in Bulgaria. She is one of the first rock singers in France. She has become very famous all over Europe.

In 1965 Silvie got married with Djony Holiday. They are known as the golden couple. They divorced in 1980. Silvie got married again in Los Angelis for an American producer called Tony Scotti. They adopted a girl from Bulgaria-Darina.

 

Yildiz Ibrahimova is a Bulgarian singer of Turkish origin. She is one of the most popular jazz singers in Bulgaria. She also sings Bulgarian, Turkish and Gypsy folk songs and Russian romance.

 

 

 

Lili Ivanova- the biggest name in the history of Bulgarian pop music. Idol of three generations. The secret of this phenomenon lies in her magnificent, brilliant, clean voice, filled with drama and gifted with a huge range. Known to Bulgarian and foreign critics as a benchmark for quality and professionalism.

The phenomenal success of the biggest star of Bulgarian pop music has lasted for four decades, and her faithful pilgrims for whom she is just Lili, multiply with each successive generation. Incredibly ambitious, the song dictates her life, she serves it as a real thoroughgoing professional. With her natural talent she discoveres intuitively the emotional spark in every song and ignites it in an inimitable way. Lili Ivanova contributes to the promotion of Bulgarian music in the world and raised its international prestige through the numerous awards that she has won. The circulation of her records are astronomical for a small country like Bulgaria and can hardly be achieved by another contractor. As difficult will be to reach the number of concerts and sang songs.

Emil Dimitrov was born in 1940. He performes in almost all European countries. His biggest success was in Russia. In France he became very famous performer. His songs “Monica” and “Julia “ took the top places in a lot of European rankings . Big European companies make contracts with him. He sang on the same stage with Jovani Morandi, Ricky Povey, Josef Kabson and Alla Pugachova. In France there’s a brilliant career for him but he missed home and returned back to Bulgaria. For all his life he emit 30 albums with 55 million copies sold only in Russia. He dies in 2005.

Nicolai Ghiaurov is an opera singer. Defined as a Bass № 1 on the planet.

He performs roles in Moscow’s Bolshoi Theater, Vienna’s Shtatsopera, Parish Grand Opera, Millan’s La Scala, London’s Covent Garden and New York’s Metropolitan opera, as well az many other prestigious theaters. Remarkable are his roles Mephistopheles in "Faust" Charles Gounod, Philip II in Don Carlos of Giuseppe Verdi, Don Juan in the eponymous opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Boris Godunov in the opera of Modest Mussorgsky.

Raina Kabaivanska is a world-class artist of world renown. She is Born in Burgas on 15 december 1934, still below the age of 30 years, she conquers the world scene.

In 2000 Raina Kabaivanska was awarded the Grand Prix.
"A life dedicated to music, Venice. She is Cavalier of the Italian Republic for civil courage and for her outstanding contribution to the art. Five times she is declared the most popular personality in Italy and 2 times musician of the year.

The most popular singers and bands in Bulgarian pop and rock music are : BTR, Grafa,Rushi Videnliev,Toni,Stenli,Gravity Co,Ostava,D2,Karizma,Mariya Ilieva,Wickeda

Toni is one very famous Bulgarian performer. She started her career like a dancer in the ballet ''Sega'' (sega means now in English). "Vsichko bilo e na san" (vsichko bilo e na san means everything was a dream in English). Toni has only one album- ''Prerajdane'' (prerajdane means rebirth)

Maria Ilieva is a great pop singer. She was a singer in the band called "Coffee". "Lunen san" (a dream from the moon) is the first song of Maria Ilieva. And the first album is with the same name. She has some songs with Grafa (famous Bulgarian pop singer).

D2 is a boys band. The band was created in 1999. The names of the boys are Dimitar Kanev (guitar), Dicho Hristov (the old singer of the band), Krasimir Todorov (piano), Aleksandar Obretenov (bass), Iavor Aleksandrov (drums). D2 has two albums- ''Ledeno momiche'' (ledeno momiche means frozen girl in English) and "2002".