The Butterfly Festival in Polska Skakavitsa brings together wildlife enthusiasts

Butterfly and wildlife enthusiasts gathered near the waterfall in the village of Polska Skakavitsa (Kyustendil region) for the Butterfly Festival to observe one of the most beautiful natural phenomena along the Struma River. The waterfall is about 50 meters high and ranks third in Bulgaria. Around the waterfall, there are over 19 fish species, 600 plant species typical only for the area, as well as dozens of protected plant species. This is also the only place where five species of swallows can be found.

The idea for the Butterfly Festival was born in 2010, when the International Year of Biodiversity was celebrated. Over time, the festival has been accompanied by exhibitions, competitions and quizzes, as well as culinary and carnival contests related to butterflies. Tent camps are set up, and hikes through the Zemen Gorge are organized, accompanied with lots of music, dancing and games, the organizers of the festival told BTA.