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.