Folklore

Immerse yourself in the magic of Bulgarian folklore. Bulgaria is known internationally for its music, songs and dances, and once held the Guinness record for the largest gathering of bagpipe players. The complex rhythms of Bulgarian folk music, the haunting curves of the songs and the colour of the traditional costumes all carry centuries of history.

If you want to step into the tradition yourself, the Festival of Folk Costume in Zheravna is for you. Organisers work to recreate the full authenticity of Bulgarian life from 100-150 years ago: entry to the festival grounds requires period folk costume, modern objects are forbidden, and mobile phones are restricted to designated areas. The country's largest and most popular bagpipe festival is also held every summer in the heart of the Rhodopes.

Another living tradition is mummery (kukeri). Mummers are masked carnival figures - men dressed as creatures with horns or fur coats, wearing belts of heavy bells - who dance through the streets to scare away evil spirits, drive off the cold and bring fertility and good health. The ritual takes place across the country between January 1 and mid-March, with exact dates varying by region.