PERPERIKON – THE HOLY CITY OF THE THRACIANS
A History of ancient Thracians - Perperikon, Bulgaria In the far south of Bulgaria, a megalithic stone complex rises on a hill in the Eastern Rhodope Mountains of Bulgaria. This 8,000 year old prehistoric shrine, which is today known as the ancient Thracian city of Perperikon,...
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE MASQUERADE GAMES
SURVA – KUKERI FESTIVAL In ancient Bulgaria, wearing masks was believed to provide protection from evil, ensure a successful harvest, and guarantee health and fertility for humans and farm animals. Many of these pagan rituals, which were later incorporated into Christianity, are still performed in eastern...
BULGARIAN EMBROIDERY
Despite being a part of the Turkish Empire for more than 500 years, Bulgaria managed to keep much of its cultural heritage intact. Embroidery in particular, with its unique decorative compositions, allowed Bulgarians living in the areas within the then Turkish province to retain their...