Today will be given the start of the XXVI International Festival of Masquerade Games in the city of #Pernik, Bulgaria. It is a pagan ritual and part of the Bulgarian folklore. Survakari or Kukeri are the people, traditionally only men, who perform the rituals of #Surva. They put on special masks, hand-made by each of the participants. Most of the masks are made of wood. Different colored threads are glued on it as well as pieces of multicolored fabrics, mirrors and other shiny elements. The masks represent a ram, a goat or a bull. They hang bells on their waists, which is another protection against the evil. The Kukeri aim to scary and sweep away forever the evil spirits with the help of special magic dances and the scary masks, and sing songs for health, fertility and luck during the new year.
         The beginning of the festival in Pernik goes back to 1966. Since 1985 it has a status of international event. Usually it is held during the last weekend of January. On Saturday and Sunday you can watch the parade of different groups from all over Bulgaria and abroad. Annually for these 2 days Pernik becomes so lively and crowded with Bulgarians from various regions and foreigners from Europe and even abroad, who have come to Pernik to watch the festival, to feel the spirit of Surva, to learn more about Bulgarian folklore and to have fun all together.
For this year’s schedule you can read more at: en.surva.org/schedule.php

     On 17.12.2016 Bulgarian ski resort #Borovets will celebrate its 120th anniversary. This is considered to be the first resort in Bulgaria. In 1896 the first vacation house was built there and then the Bulgarian ruler – knyaz Ferdinand built the palace “Tsarska Bistritsa”. Until 1942 the village was named Chamkoriya (“Pine forest” from Turkish), then it took the name Borovets (it means the same, but this is the Bulgarian name).
          Palace “Tsarska bistritsa” is located only 2,5 km. north of Borovets. It was a hunting lodge for Tsar Ferdinand I and his son tsar Boris III. In 1898 the building process of the palace began and was finished in 1914, when it consisted of few palace buildings and a park, through which Bistritsa river passed along. Nowadays only the park is open for visitors.
     In the 60’s and 70’s of XX century the resort became ski-oriented with the construction of first Alpine-style hotels and installations for skiing and other winter sports. Through the years it became the most important winter resort in Bulgaria. In 1981 and 1984 it hosted the Alpine Skiing World Cup and in 1993 - Biathlon World Championship.
        Located 70 km. away from Sofia, it is a preferred destination for skiing by the capital residents. The road from Sofia to Borovets is very beautiful, passing through the magnificent Iskar defile. The close distance to Sofia makes it suitable for one day excursions, but the plenty of hotels, restaurants, bars and ski slopes can make you stay longer.

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     Today, 06.12., we celebrate the feast day of #St.Nicholas. Nicholas was born in Asia Minor in III-rd century. He became a bishop in the city of Myra. During the reign of Diocletian and Galerius Nicholas was prosecuted and imprisoned. In 342 he died in Myra and was buried in the cathedral there. On 09.05.1087 his relics were sent to Bari, Italy.  Because of the miracles, he has made, he is also known as Nicholas Wonderworker. He is considered as a patron saint of the sailors, fishermen, merchants, falsely accused, children etc. He secretly gave gifts to the people, especially to the poor ones and this led to the traditional model of Santa Claus.​

    In Bulgaria this day is called “Nikulden” and it is a name day of all people with names linked to Nicholas. Traditionally on the table is served carp – it may be stuffed with walnuts, rice, onions, tomatoes or raisins. Another traditional dish with carp is called “ribnik” – a carp in dough. Since Nikulden is during the fasting period, on the table should have meatless meals such as roasted peppers, beans, boiled corn. The bread and the ribnik are blessed in the church or at home and parts of them are given to the neighbors. On this day to the family dinner are invited relatives and neighbors. In Bulgaria Nicholas is very common name, so at almost each home there is a family celebration. 

             Tomorrow, 22-nd of September, Bulgaria will commemorate 108 years since her Independence was declared. On 22.09.1908 Bulgarian knyaz #Ferdinand proclaimed with manifest the independence of Bulgaria. The event took place in #Veliko Tarnovo, at the “ Holy Forty Martyrs” church (Sv. 40 Velikomachenitzi). In the period between 1878 (the liberation of Ottoman rule) and 1908, Bulgaria was a vassal principality of the Ottoman Empire. The city of Veliko Tarnovo was chosen intentionally – there in 1185 was proclaimed the #Second Bulgarian Kingdom.  That is to show the link between the Second and Third Bulgarian kingdom. On that day in 1908 Bulgarian knyaz Ferdinand got the title “tsar” (king).
         Nowadays, 22 September is an official holiday in Bulgaria. In Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas and many other cities tomorrow there will be official program, dedicated to the special day. The National Guards will perform a military ceremonial. In the National History Museum in Sofia will be shown the Manifest, with which Ferdinand declared the independence. If you happen to be in Bulgaria on that day, enjoy the spirit of 22.09!

           Today, 17.09, the Orthodox Church venerates the day of #St.Sophia the Martyr and her three daughters - Faith, Hope and Charity. She was born in #Italy and during the reign of Emperor Hadrian (117-138) her daughters were tortured in an attempt their mother to be forced to renounce her faith in Christ. 3 days after the death of Faith, Hope and Charity, Sophia also died on their graves.
           In Bulgaria 17.09 is also celebrated as the day of the capital city – Sofia. It is named after the basilica St. Sophia, dated from the late Antiquity. Sofia is capital city of Bulgaria since 1879. Then the city began to progress in economical, administrative, cultural, educational aspect etc. The center is moved around the church St. King (nowadays St. Nedelya church). In 1888 the #University #of #Sofia was found – the biggest and the oldest university in Bulgaria. In 1907 was found the building of the #National #Theater. Since last year people can learn more about Sofia, if they visit the Museum for history of Sofia.

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        Nowadays, Sofia is very popular destination for the tourists. Everyone will be satisfied, regardless of their interests - cultural, religious, architectural, historical, food and wine, SPA and relaxation, art, shopping and so on. Many events are organized annually – concerts, conferences, sport events. Some of the best-known symbols of the city are the #Alexander #Nevski  #Cathedral, the #Rotunda #St.George, the church #St.Sophia, #Narodno #Sabranie #Square, Archaeological museum, Boyana church, National History museum. Except them Sofia can offer many other beautiful sights with its various parks and gardens, #Vitosha mountain around it, #Boyana #waterfall, #Pancharevo lake or just if you get lost in the small streets, admiring the beautiful buildings around you.

       On 25-th March the #Orthodox #Church celebrates the feast of the Annunciation, which in Bulgarian is called #Blagoveshtenie. On that day the #angel #Gabriel visited #Virgin #Mary and informed her, that she would give birth to Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
​In the past, before the communists come to power, Blagoveshtenie was the temple feast of the Church “St. Sophia” in the Bulgarian Capital.
       According to #Bulgarian #folklore when Blagoveshtenie comes, the winter goes away.  When the church bells ring in the morning, the swallow have to come and bring the good news that the winter is over. If the swallow is late, then cold days are coming.
       Early in the morning young ladies go through the village and sing traditional songs. It is believed that one should get up early and have breakfast, in order to be health and full for the whole year. Everyone must have money in their pocket – if a cuckoo cuckoos you, you better have money. On this day the cuckoo cuckoos for first time in the year. If you see a stork on that day, you will be happy through the year. But the stork has to be in flight, not walking or standing on the ground – if so, it is a bad omen. Other belief is that on Blagoveshtenie every wound heals easy and fast. That’s why on that day little girls’ ears should be pierced.
       Traditionally on the table are served fish with rice (ribnik), colorful bread (sharena pitka), honey, luchnik (doughy dish with onion), docks, sorrels, nettle - when Blagoveshtenie comes, we catch at the green . At that time of the year grow the first edible plants. Although the day is during the Easter fasting, it is allowed to have fish, because this is really significant Christian holiday. 

       Every year on 22-nd of March the citizens of Veliko Tarnovo celebrate the day of their town. The reason this exact date to become a holiday of the Old Bulgarian Capital is that on March 22 (March 9 acc. to the Julian calendar), 1230 Tsar Ivan Asen II defeated the Epirus ruler Theodore Komnenos Doukas at the battle of Klokotnitsa.  Theodore was captured and spent the next 7 years in captivity. He was released in 1237 when Tsar Ivan Asen II married his daughter Irene. In honor of the victory was constructed the Church “Holy Forty Martyrs”.
       Nowadays people from all over the country go to Veliko Tarnovo for the celebrations, which begin in the morning with liturgy in the Church “Holy Forty Martyrs” and last until the evening. The city center is full of people, it is a day off for the children at school. During the day diverse vocal and dance academies take part, folklore ensembles as well. In the afternoon there is street parade and in the evening paper lantern lights will fly in the air. In the end comes the spectacular show “Sound and Light” at the Tsarevets Hill and fireworks illuminate the whole sky above the city.
        If you ever have the chance to go there and be part of this and feel the spirit of March 22, do not hesitate do it! It’s totally worth it! 

     ​Every year March 8 is worldwide celebrated as the day of the woman or the working woman. On March 8, 1857, garment workers in New York City marched, demanding improved working conditions, a ten hour day, and equal rights for women, but the police broke their ranks. Then on March 8, 1908, there was a new march in New York for the right to vote and an end to sweatshops and child labor. In August 1910 on International Women's Conference Luise Zietz, a German socialist, proposed the establishment of an annual 'International Woman's Day' Clara Zetkin, although no date was specified. Clara Zetkin established the first "International Women's Day" on 19 March 1911. The date March 8 is celebrated for the first time in 1914 and is dedicated to equal rights for women.
     Nowadays March 8 is an expression of love and respect to all the women. In Bulgaria, Serbia, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina etc. men gives flowers and presents to the women in their lives – mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, wives, girlfriends, colleagues. They take them out to fancy restaurants and make them feel special. In Bulgaria and Romania it turned into a Mother’s day too, so children show their respect and gratefulness to their mothers by giving them flowers.  Children in school also bring flowers for their female teachers. In Italy, to celebrate the day, men give yellow mimosas to women. Yellow mimosas and chocolate are also one of the most common March 8 presents in Russia and Albania.
     Eventually no matter where you are coming from, if you are a woman, have a very special day today! If you are a man - respect women in your life and make their day wonderful!