Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Ribnovo chooses the most beautiful "gelina" bride

Photo: blagoevgrad.egov.bg

On the eve of the New Year, the most beautiful "gelina" bride of the last 4 years is chosen in the Bulgarian-Mohammedan village of Ribnovo, in south-west Bulgaria. 

"Gelina" is the name given to brides in the region. It is a unique tradition, where the brides are specially dressed and their faces are painted and decorated for the wedding. 
The "Mrs Gelina 2024" contest is being held for the first time and the winners will be announced tonight, reports BNT. 

"Our parents always told us, 'When you grow up, you will be a Gelina', and that was always our dream. We don't dream of wedding dresses, we dream of being gelinas," said Kadrie Kiselova of the Creative Community Foundation, the organiser of the competition. 

It is the wish of the people of Ribnovo that this wedding custom, which is already part of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage, will become world famous, that more people will know about it.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Artist Vanya Petkova from Kardzhali paints icons on ostrich eggs

Artist Vanya Petkova from Kardzhali paints non-traditional icons, depicting saints on ostrich eggs . She started about 15 years ago with images of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. The first egg she painted is still intact and is kept by her relative...

published on 4/20/25 10:53 AM

The spiritual messages of the Resurrection through the eyes of a Bulgarian theologian

This year, Orthodox and Catholic Christians will celebrate the Resurrection of Christ togethe r. On the same date, the entire Christian world will turn its gaze to the empty tomb and will try, to the best of its ability, to empathize with the amazement..

published on 4/19/25 11:15 AM

A pink pelican named Stoycho becomes a real attraction for the residents of Varna

A pink pelican has become a real attraction for the residents of Varna. Hundreds of people have spotted it in the area of the Marine Station in the coastal city and rushed to post his photos on social networks. The pelican is already known there by the..

published on 4/19/25 7:05 AM