As in previous years, several groups of tourists from abroad are eager to visit with the Roma in Plovdiv's Stolipinovo residential district for the Roma New Year - Bango Vasil on January 14.
Bango Vasil is a red letter day on the Roma calendar. The celebrations usually span two-three days, preparations begin a whole week earlier. Bango Vasil is a time for families to get together, the woman of the house buys a goose or rooster; according to tradition the fowl must spend the night at the house so good luck won't “flee” the home. In Stolipinovo the Roma usually come out to celebrate in Landos street, where music and dancing out of doors keeps spirits running high.
