During the hot summer days guests and citizens of the Bulgarian city of Veliko Tarnovo could pay visits to various cultural events and see reenactments of glorious historical moments. In a period of 2 months the Stage of Centuries Festival in the ancient stronghold of Tsarevets will make guests acquainted with the period of the Second Bulgarian Empire. City squares will be full of people dressed as boyars and craftsmen, as well as with participants in a number of accompanying events. Tarnovo will also welcome rockers, contemporary musicians, performers of classical music and cinema fans. The doors of the beautiful city are open for everyone who wishes to enjoy the rich festival program.

More about the upcoming events during the summer months from Tsvetomir Boyadzhiev – head of the Tsarevgrad Turnov municipal tourism company.

“Veliko Tarnovo has always focused on attractive events. The city is a popular tourist destination with its monuments, museums, cultural and historical heritage. We have been trying to add a number of other events to this portfolio. Among the big upcoming events is the Arbanasi Summer Music international folklore festival, which last year was included in the list of festivals of Europe.  The Stage of Centuries festival, which is going to take place from July to the first week of September, has also received this recognition. During the summer season of the opera theaters a number of classical and contemporary works will be presented to the audience.”

From June 17 to June 26 the old capital of Bulgaria will host the Ludogorie Festival. There guest will be able to see authentic wedding rituals. Two years ago another authentic wedding took place during the festival where a record for the longest wedding table that gathered 1570 people dressed in traditional folk costumes was set. In the period July 20-27 the traditional International Folklore Festival starts. The second International Festival of historical re-enactments will take place from July 28 to July 31 in the medieval stronghold of Tsarevets. Enthusiasts from Bulgaria, Poland, Serbia, Ukraine, Moldova and Italy will take part in the reenactments of events from the times of the Second Bulgarian Empire. They will show how people used to forge weapons and make clothes during the Middle Ages. The event includes a camp and demonstration battles, as well as various workshops for children and adults.

In the period August 19 to August 21 the latest edition of "Transfiguration Festival" will take place. Last year it was held in the village of Dolen. The festival includes interesting projects, short films and modern digital art installations.

Mr. Boyadzhiev told us more about the tourists who come to Veliko Tarnovo:

“Each year we have a big number of guests. Surely, we expect more tourists from different places as we have new contracts with tour operators. There will be groups of tourists coming with cruises on the Danube. They will be making one-day trips to Veliko Tarnovo. Fortunately, there are new tour operators that show interest towards the Bulgarian cultural heritage. We believe this will open new horizons and we will see growth in the number of tourists coming from Spain, France and Asian countries.”

So do not hesitate to escape from the boredom everyday life and experience something different! Tourists from faraway Asian countries come to visit the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, so what can stop you from paying a visit to Veliko Tarnovo on your way east to the Bulgarian seaside?

English: Alexander Markov