The 29th edition of the traditional Karakachan Festival was opened today in Karandila locality near the town of Sliven. Traditionally, Bulgarian and Greek folklore groups participate at the Karakachan Festival. This year, a large dance formation consisting of 30 people arrived from the Greek town of Agrafa, the place of origin of the Karakachans.

Bulgaria’s Vice President liana Yotova attended the official opening of the festival. She congratulated the Federation of Cultural and Educational Societies of Karakachans in Bulgaria on the occasion of its 30^th anniversary, emphasizing its key role in preserving and promoting the culture of Karakachans. In Iliana Yotova’s words “the Karakachan festival builds strong relationships between the Karakachans in Bulgaria and Greece who become a bridge for active bilateral cooperation between the two neighboring countries”.