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Culture

Events, festivals, music, film and the arts.

A traditional Bulgarian gaida bagpipe with wooden pipes and a goat-skin bag
Culture

The Gaida: Bulgaria's Beloved Bagpipe and Its Regional Voices

The gaida is Bulgaria's iconic bagpipe, with a haunting drone and a melody that has carried the country's folk music for centuries. Learn about its two main types and its place in Bulgarian culture.
Close-up of a Bulgarian shevitsa embroidery on a white linen shirt, showing red and green geometric patterns.
Culture

The Shevitsa: Bulgaria's Embroidered Language of Colour and Symbol

Discover the rich symbolism and regional variety of the shevitsa, the traditional embroidery that decorates Bulgarian folk costumes, and learn how these patterns tell stories of identity, protection and belonging.
A close-up of a gadulka, a pear-shaped bowed string instrument with sympathetic strings, resting on a wooden table.
Culture

The Gadulka: Bulgaria's Bowed String Instrument and Its Haunting Voice

Discover the gadulka, Bulgaria's traditional bowed string instrument, its construction, playing techniques, and central role in folk music ensembles across the country.
Close-up of a traditional Bulgarian kaval, a long wooden end-blown flute, resting on a rustic wooden surface.
Culture

The Kaval: Bulgaria's End-Blown Flute and Its Shepherd's Song

Discover the kaval, Bulgaria's traditional end-blown flute, and its enduring role in folk music, from lonely shepherd melodies to lively dance tunes.
A person picking wild herbs in a sunny Bulgarian meadow
Culture

Enyovden: Bulgaria's Midsummer Herb Festival and Healing Rituals

Every June, Bulgarians celebrate Enyovden, a day when herbs are believed to hold extraordinary healing power and the sun dances in the sky.
Traditional Bulgarian Nikulden table with baked carp and round bread
Culture

Nikulden: Bulgaria's Fish Feast for St. Nicholas

Every December 6, Bulgarian families gather around a table laden with fish to honour St. Nicholas, the patron of waters, sailors, and good fortune.
A person pruning a vine in a Bulgarian vineyard
Culture

Trifon Zarezan: Bulgaria's Day of the Vine and Its Ancient Roots

Every February, Bulgaria celebrates Trifon Zarezan, a lively festival of vine pruning, wine and community that reaches back to Thracian times.
Koledari carolers in traditional dress singing outdoors in winter
Culture

Koledari: Bulgaria's Christmas Carol Singers and Their Ancient Blessings

Every Christmas Eve, groups of young men known as koledari walk from house to house across Bulgaria, singing festive songs and offering blessings for health, fertility and prosperity in the year ahead.
Aerial view of Tsarevets Fortress on a hill above the Yantra River in Veliko Tarnovo
Culture

Veliko Tarnovo: Bulgaria's Medieval Capital and Its Living Heritage

Veliko Tarnovo, once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, offers a rich cultural journey through medieval fortresses, revival architecture and artisan traditions.
Cinema ticket and popcorn on a dark background representing a film game
Culture

Last Chance Tonight for Hunger Games Cinema Game First Level

Fans of The Hunger Games have until 23:59 tonight to join the first level of a cinema game by Dnevnik and Forum Film Bulgaria, with the correct answer hint revealed.
People in traditional Bulgarian dress dancing in a circle outdoors
Culture

The Bulgarian Horo: A Circle Dance of Community and Celebration

The horo is Bulgaria's signature round dance — a living tradition that brings people together at weddings, festivals and village squares. Here's what makes it special and how to join in.
A traditional Chiprovtsi carpet with geometric patterns in red, black and cream.
Culture

Chiprovtsi Carpets: Bulgaria's Living Tapestry of Colour and Symbol

Discover the centuries-old art of Chiprovtsi carpet weaving, a UNESCO-listed tradition that continues to shape the cultural identity of north-west Bulgaria.
Interior of a traditional Bulgarian chitalishte with bookshelves, a small stage and folk costumes.
Culture

Chitalishte: Bulgaria's Community Culture Centres and Their Living Role

A chitalishte is a uniquely Bulgarian institution that combines a library, theatre, music school and community gathering space under one roof. Discover their history and how they continue to keep traditions alive.
A child gently tapping an elderly person's back with a decorated cornel twig
Culture

Survakane: Bulgaria's New Year Tapping Ritual for Health and Luck

On the first morning of the year, Bulgarian children tap elders on the back with a decorated cornel twig, reciting verses for health, wealth and good fortune.
A female android with a neutral expression in a dimly lit room.
Culture

Director clarifies Sentient is not inspired by The Collector

Daniel Simpson’s AI thriller Sentient screened at CineLibri, but he says festival materials linking it to John Fowles’ novel were inaccurate.
A group of women in colourful Bulgarian folk costumes standing in a circle, viewed from behind as they sing outdoors.
Culture

The Ancient Art of Bulgarian Polyphonic Singing

Bulgaria's rich vocal tradition blends dissonant harmonies and powerful resonance, recognised by UNESCO as part of the world's intangible heritage.
A close-up of a handwoven wreath of spring flowers and willow branches on a rustic wooden surface, with soft morning light and a blurred green background.
Culture

Lazaruvane: Bulgaria's Spring Ritual of Song, Flowers and Coming of Age

Every spring, Bulgarian villages come alive with the sound of girls singing from house to house. Lazaruvane is a centuries-old tradition that marks renewal, health and the passage into womanhood.
Ancient Thracian gold vessels from the Panagyurishte Treasure
Culture

The Panagyurishte Gold Treasure: Bulgaria's Ancient Thracian Masterpieces

Unearthed by chance near Panagyurishte in 1949, this stunning set of nine gold vessels offers a rare glimpse into the artistic brilliance of ancient Thrace.