Any country’s tradition, heritage and ethos are best reflected through its festivals. Bulgaria is not an exception here and celebrates plenty of vibrant festivals. International music festivals, folk festivals, and cultural feasts, one can experience everything. These festivals in Bulgaria are rejoiced with great grandeur and enthusiasm and if you can manage to be a part of it, your vacation will turn out to be ever charming and magical. Here is the list, read on to know the popular festivals in Bulgaria 2021 that enhance the charm and glory of the place.

Festivals In Bulgaria

The International Festival of the Masquerade Games “Surva”

If you happen to be in Bulgaria at the beginning of the year you should definitely try to get to the spectacular Mummer’s Festival “Surva” held in the town of Pernik, just 30 km from Sofia during the last weekend of January. It is considered the biggest event of this type on the Balkan Peninsula. The event promotes variations of ancient Bulgarian customs that are still alive today, such as the banishing of the evil winter spirits, according to folklore tradition performed by single men and women, Kukerite and Survakari. The spectacular masks and costumes never fail to impress the onlooker and the at times deafening rhythms will have you energised for the year. International participation in the event from groups from Europe, Asia and Africa,…

Date:  January / February
Location: Pernik

Carnival of Humour and Satire in Gabrovo 

Held annually in the middle of May in the heart of Bulgaria – Gabrovo is approximately 200km from Sofia. No one can say for certain when this festival first began due to a lack of written records but all the locals insist that it was already around in the 19th century and is one of the most joyful events in Bulgaria. A few days when people can forget their everday worries and look at the world with different eyes. A carnival parade with people dressed as everything from wizards and elves to cartoon characters; satirical cartoons and floats of significant events and famous people occupy the city centre. Of course, also plenty of homemade rakia and wine, Balkan music and the occasional “horo” (traditional Bulgarian circle dance)

Date: Middle of May
Location: Gabrovo

Festival Of Roses

Bulgaria contributes for 70% of the total world rose production every year. Hence it is obvious that the country will host a beautiful festival around this beautiful flower. Held in the Rose Valley of Kazanlak, the Festival of Roses is one of the most spectacular Bulgaria festivals held in summer. There are many events and fun activities like rose picking, Queen rose competition, and fireworks show that make the festival bright and cheerful.

Date: 5th To 8th June, 2020
Location: Kazanlak

Fire Dancing Festival

Fire Dancing is one of the oldest traditions of Bulgaria. Started by the ancient Thracians for worship of the Sun god, this act is now practiced by few communities residing in the Strandzha region of the Bulgari village. The festival includes barefoot dancing on burning coal by skilled fire dancers. Usually held on 3rd day of June, this daredevil festival honours the two saints named Constantine and Helen. Undoubtedly, this is one of the oldest festivals of Bulgaria and listed in the UNESCO World Heritage legacy of non-material culture.

Date: 9th February, 2020
Location: Bulgari village

Rozhen National Folklore Festival

This festival is held every four years is one of the best festivals in Bulgaria. Showcasing vibrant folk music and dance of the Balkan region, Rozhen National Folklore Festival is a vibrant way to honor the rich culture and traditions of the natives. The most important highlight of the Rozhen National Folklore Festival is Sto Kaba Gaidi, a special opera of 100 bagpipes.

Date: 15-17th July, 2020
Location: Rozhen area of Rhodope Mountains.

Zheravna Festival of the National Costume

Folk costumes were worn for centuries in many villages and regions in the country up until the beginning of the 20th century. They are a very important part of the culture in Bulgaria and were typically used for expressing the identity of a particular ethnic group, as well as their social status. The costumes were always handmade from local materials such as wool, cotton and linen. They featured some very unique and intricate types of patterns (called Shevitsi), beautiful embroideries and hand-sewn elements.

The Zheravna architectural reserve is one of the county’s best-preserved towns from the National Revival era which makes the experience even more unique. The festival features a lot of folk music, dances, eating and socializing.

When: 18th – 20th August
Where: Zheravna