If you want to travel a century and a half back in the past, be sure to visit the Festival of folk garb costume in Zheravna. The 9th edition of the forum will be held from 19th of August to 21st of August in the area Dobromeritsa, close to Zheravna. Again this year you can enjoy the magic of the dancing on fire, to be inspired by the sound of the 100 Rhodopean bagpipes and to dance to the music of Nikolina Chakardakova.
This year you will have fun with the boxer Kubrat Pulev, the actress Elen Koleva and the Hollywood star Ben Cross. Anyone who wants to embark on the adventure, must be dressed in traditional Bulgarian garb costume. The participation is voluntary and the separation from the comforts of civilization – desired is the motto of the organizers.Thousands of people participate each year in the challenge provoked by the curiosity of modern man to return to his roots.
The admission for all three days of the festival costs 25 leva or approximately 12,5 euro. The entrance for children up to 7 years is free and up to 14 years cost 10 leva or approximately 5 euro. Residents of Zheravna can visit the festival for free but the residents for nearby Kotel cost 10 leva or around 5 euro for three days. During the first two days it is forbidden to take pictures even with phones and to shoot video. Professional photographers take pictures of the participants and the access to these pictures is free for 20 days after the festival.
To submerge entirely in the past is forbidden to talk on the phone, except at designated locations. Women should be aware that the introduction of modern bags is also prohibited. Not allowed is even wearing sunglasses, watches and contemporary hats. Unfortunately for the festival are not allowed pets.
Traditionally, the festival is opening on Friday at 05:00 p.m. And closes at the same time on Sunday. Four folk orchestra will alternate playing to entertain the guests. The dancing and the party usually continue until dawn.
The festival program will begin on Friday evening to commemorate the heroes of Bulgaria. Then there will be a folk concert featuring Albena Veskova, ladies quartet’ Abagar, Ograzhden quartet , ensemble Gaitani and 100 Rhodopian bagpipes. As well as the folk singer Pepi Hristozova.
On Saturday there will be presentations of clubs and dance schools and competitions for authentic and stylized Bulgarian garb costumes, for dancing of amateur dancers. There will be also a concert of the folk singer Nikolina Chakardakova and dancers from Nevrokop ensemble. The organizers have prepared a demonstration of dancing on fire and other surprises. The organizers of the fest are the famous Bulgarian folklore ensemble “Bulgare” and the municipalities Zheravna and Kotel.
