200,000 saw the place where time stood still, this year will also be unforgettable

In less than two weeks, Zheravna will once again introduce her beautiful bosom mix that the eyes can’t get enough of. The folk costume festival started 17 years ago. And there is no longer anyone who loves a legend that did not exist or does not know about it.

More than 200,000 people have seen it in the last 15 years in the Zheravna reserve, where school children from all over Bulgaria used to travel for a day to see what Bulgarian villages were like. similar over the centuries, and some of them set foot on the land. for the first time in Bulgaria. The place where time stopped will once again bring us surprises and entertainment that many of the guests and participants have been preparing all year.

All those who have stocked up on country clothes from day one will have the chance to see the official opening of the festival on August 23, Friday, at 8pm. He will be awarded the annual “Apostle of Bulgaria” award. Before the official concert, the rules of the festival, which are published on the official pages, their competitions and rules, will be brought back again. Part of the idea of ​​the festival is that the guests pay tribute every year in memory of the heroes of Bulgaria. There will be a special time to celebrate them at this year’s opening.

On the first night, the audience will have the opportunity to have fun and dance with the orchestras, which have been indispensable over the years: “100 Kaba Gaidi” directed by Todor Dzhufarev, the Zurni from Petrich on conducted by Mihoto, the Thracian Orchestra “Gergeovden” conducted by Vasil Denev and the wind music of Etropolis. On the small stage, the folk song will officially last until midnight. During this time, the fireplace games will be held on the lawn next to the entrance. On this first night, the singer Nikolay Slaveev and the orchestra “Orpheus” conducted by Georgi Yanev will perform at the festival. The “Drums and Bagpipes” night ethnic jamboree will continue until the wee hours of Saturday.

In the morning, with a variety of offers for a delicious breakfast (soft cakes, guzlemi, fried pans, katmi, coffee on the fire), the entertainment of the people begins (or rather continues) with “100 kaba gaidi”, petrichki zurni and “St. George’s Day”. Anyone who is tired of dancing and ideas for a variety of embroidery, while taking a break from the busy program on Saturday, can encourage romance in rhymes and enter the competition for “Stefan Charlopov” poetry award.

Every year amateur clubs, schools and dance groups for Bulgarian folk dances travel from all over the country to Zheravna to present dances and songs from their homeland. In fact, this is the biggest mix of Bulgarian rhythms you’ve ever seen. In all performances, it is intended to explore Bulgarian folk songs with the participation of the audience. On Saturday, the other competitions will be held: Competition for ancient women’s skirts with a prize fund by Professor Dr. Ivan Gavrilov; Competition for baby clothes with a guaranteed prize fund from the company “BEBO”; Competition for real women’s and men’s costumes with a guaranteed prize fund from the SPA center “BELCHÍNSKI IZVOR”; A contest for an authentic costume with a guaranteed prize fund from Dr. Vanya Mitova.

On the grounds of the festival there are several designated stages and places for various performances and rest. While the participants in the competitions receive the applause of the audience, the others can continue with the dances or challenge their sportsmanship with the MAXIMAL Games by Dimitar Gospodinov – Guspata, games of strength and country wrestling.

Of course there is time for lunch, with the tempting introduction of chevremets. In the evening, the audience will be divided as to where they should attend – the concert of the Armenian Dance Ensemble AGBU Plovdiv Barakhump or the competition of amateur dancers from mixed couples with a guaranteed prize fund.

The day of the festival will end with folk music and songs around the big bonfire ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​front

On Sunday, the fun lasts only until noon. In Bulgaria, there are several schools where children are trained to play instruments for folk orchestras. Shortly before the festival closes, the competition for students for the music prize “Ivancho the Musician” will be held with a prize fund from Elena Andersson – one of the creators of the folklore costume festival.

On the last day, Sunday, after 12:30 pm, you can enter the grounds of the festival without paying an entrance fee and without the mandatory costume. And only on this day are photos allowed with phones and cameras. Every year there are guests who follow the rules and those who try to break them. Fortunately, there are many more of the former. And the disappointment of the second group cannot spoil the general feeling, but it shows again that recommendations, rules and even security are powerless against the lack of education.

The organizers of the folk costume festival ask everyone to familiarize themselves with the conditions and adhere to them strictly so that we can enjoy the true glory of the festival days. As they saw in their first idea in 2008, the creators – Hristo Dimitrov and the dancers from the BULGARE ensemble.