At the point where three mountains meet is a festival that takes place at the end of May in Bansko and is part of the national cultural calendar. This year, its 11^th edition coincided with Children’s Day, June 1, so a large part of the festival programme was dedicated to children – dancers and singers. Tanya Kolarova from the Edita advertising and marketing company tells us more about the groups taking part for the first time.

“The festival family is extended with every passing year, “Tanya Kolarova says. “The newcomers came from Pernik, from Petrich municipality, Sandanski municipality and elsewhere. There is a growing interest in Bulgarian folklore and the performers are constantly adding to their repertoire. They keep their ancient folk costumes spick and span or make their own. This year for the first time we organized a fashion review of traditional clothing; it was dazzling. The festival is non-competitive and each participant receives an honorary diploma – as a mark that the talent, efforts and mastership of the amateurs is appreciated, as is their enthusiasm and fidelity to their roots. They are truly incredible. Some travel for hours to be able to take part. I would like to say that the festival was made possible thanks to Bansko municipality. We have been working together; we want this treasure trove of music and hues to reach out to young and old alike.”

Most of the amateur singers, instrumentalists and dancers we heard in Bansko are amateur performers from culture community clubs, people of different professions – school teachers, civil servants, farmers. The age also varies widely – from 3 to 83.

“The Bulgarian culture community clubs, known as chitalishte continue to be a spiritual and cultural hub in the smallest of villages in Bulgaria,” says Nikola Burzakov from the village of Kostandovo.

English Milena Daynova

Photos: Albena Bezovska