Folklore

FOLKLORE AND CUSTOMS

Sourvakars - A traditional Bulgarian ritual typical for the New Years Eve that consists of groups of boys going from house to house singing Christmas songs and wishing a happy new year to every one.

Martyr Triffon Zarezan (Prune) - This is the day of the first pruning of the vines.

Saturday of Lazarus - Dancing to the accompaniment of ritual songs for the Day - a ritual dedicated to the fields, pastures, forests and young girls: Lazarki, performed for health, happiness and fertility.

Rose Day - Celebrates the start of rose-picking.

Nestinars - A ritual bare - feet dance on live coal (fire dancing).

MAJOR FOLK FESTIVALS

Annual International Folklore Festival in Bourgas at second half of August.

Annual Festival of Rose, held in Kazanluk at the beginning of June.

Folk Festival in the town of Koprivshtitza, a true holiday of Bulgarian folklore at which singers and musicians gather and perform authentic Bulgarian folk and pop music, held every five years.

International Festival of the Koukers (mummer) masquerade games-held every other year in the town of Pernik.