Any country’s tradition, heritage and ethos are best reflected through its festivals. Bulgaria is not an exception here and celebrates plenty of vibrant festivals. International music festivals, folk festivals, and cultural feasts, one can experience everything. These festivals in Bulgaria are rejoiced with great grandeur and enthusiasm and if you can manage to be a part of it, your vacation will turn out to be ever charming and magical. Here is the list, read on to know the popular festivals in Bulgaria 2023 that enhance the charm and glory of the place.
12 Popular Bulgaria Festivals 2023
Bulgarian culture and traditions are rejoiced with many colourful festivals, throughout the year. Here are the shortlisted names. See, if you can make up for any during your holiday.
- Humour Carnival
- Festival Of Roses
- Fire Dancing Festival
- Cherry Festival
- Wake Up Open Air Festival
- Wrong Fest
- Rozhen National Folklore Festival
- International Bagpipe Contest
- A To Jazz Festival
- Zheravna Festival Of National Costume
- Beglika Fest
- Pirin Sings Folklore Festival
1. Humour Carnival
It is fantastic to start the discussion of famous festivals in Bulgaria with the Humour Carnival. Held in Gabrovo, this carnival focus on merry making, fun, and frolic. Featuring street plays, funny traditions, and fancy-dress parties, the Humour Carnival attracts locals and tourists alike. Along with all these, there is a huge parade on the main street of Gabrovo. Native people dress up in fancy and funny costumes and take part in the rally. For hosting this colourful and unique carnival, Gabrovo have been marked as one of the members of the Foundation of the European Carnival Cities.
Date: May 2022
Location: Gabrovo
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2. Festival Of Roses
Bulgaria contributes for 70% of the total world rose production every year. Hence it is obvious that the country will host a beautiful festival around this beautiful flower. Held in the Rose Valley of Kazanlak, the Festival of Roses is one of the most spectacular Bulgaria festivals held in summer. There are many events and fun activities like rose picking, Queen rose competition, and fireworks show that make the festival bright and cheerful.
Date: 4th - 5th June
Location: Kazanlak
Suggested Read: Bulgaria In July: All About A Fun & Frolic Summer Trip In The Balkan Country!
3. Fire Dancing Festival
Fire Dancing is one of the oldest traditions of Bulgaria. Started by the ancient Thracians for worship of the Sun god, this act is now practiced by few communities residing in the Strandzha region of the Bulgari village. The festival includes barefoot dancing on burning coal by skilled fire dancers. Usually held on 3rd day of June, this daredevil festival honours the two saints named Constantine and Helen. Undoubtedly, this is one of the oldest festivals of Bulgaria and listed in the UNESCO World Heritage legacy of non-material culture.
Date: June
Location: Bulgari village
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4. Cherry Festival
Much famed as the fruit garden of Bulgaria, Kyustendil hosts the Cherry Festival in the country. The region grows ample varieties of cherry, which are tasty and fresh. The festival held for two days, revolves around the display of exotic cherry varieties, carvings on cherry, jams, cakes, marmalades, and syrup made from the cherry. If you happen to be in Bulgaria in June, experience this grand festival and relish the flavoursome cherries and its products.
Date: TBA
Location: Kyustendil
Suggested Read: Top 9 Sofia Festivals You Must Experience On You Bulgarian Vacay
5. Wake Up Open Air Festival
A popular dance and music festival, Wake Up Open Air Festival is another popular music feast in Bulgaria. Held in the hills of Kuklen Monastery, the place can be reached in 20 minutes from Plovdiv. One can experience music and dance performances, spiritual lectures, fire walking, and yoga sessions here.
Date: August 2022
Location: Kuklen Monastery, near Plovdiv
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6. Wrong Fest
Located 20 kms from Sofia, Wrong Fest is a cultural extravaganza, organised every July. One can enjoy fantastic band performances and music recitals, by globally renowned artists. From international alternative music, hard metal, punk, and metallic rock bands, you name it and Wrong Fest features it. Spread over a large area, the organising committees build camps, where people stay, chill-out and enjoy the carnival.
Date: 1st - 3rd July 2022
Location: Voinegovtsi village
Website
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7. Rozhen National Folklore Festival
This festival is held every four years is one of the best festivals in Bulgaria. Showcasing vibrant folk music and dance of the Balkan region, Rozhen National Folklore Festival is a vibrant way to honor the rich culture and traditions of the natives. The most important highlight of the Rozhen National Folklore Festival is Sto Kaba Gaidi, a special opera of 100 bagpipes.
Date: NA
Location: Rozhen area of Rhodope Mountains.
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8. International Bagpipe Contest
The lush green meadows of Gela village witness the majestic performances of bagpipers, coming from different parts of the world. Professionals in different age groups, coming from France, Hungary, Japan, and UK participate in this contest and endorse the traditional culture and Rhodope legends.
Date: 10th March 2022
Location: Gela Village
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9. A to Jazz Festival
This is one of the marvellous summer music festivals in Bulgaria. Celebrated for three days in Sofia, this fest welcomes bands, and musicians of Jazz genre from all over the world to come and perform. The entry is free for all and people can sit on the lush green ground in front of the stage, chill out, relax, and enjoy some really blissful music. The festival started in 2011 and have picked up tremendous popularity and fame over few years.
Date: 1st - 3rd July 2022
Location: Sofia
Website
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10. Zheravna Festival of National Costume
Zheravna Festival of National Costume is one of its kind festival of Bulgaria, where everyone comes dressed in their national attire. Started in 2014, this celebration aims in reviving and honouring the culture and tradition of Bulgaria. One can listen to age old songs, relish authentic food and experience folk craft workshops, fire dancing, and masquerade games. Mobile phones and cameras are strictly prohibited during the celebration.
Date: 19th –21st August 2022
Location: Zheravna architectural reserve
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11. Beglika Fest
Theatre workshops, jam sessions, live bands, and recitals of international and alternative music make Beglika fest an overwhelming and heart-warming affair which also makes this one of the best of Bulgaria festivals 2022. Held on the bank of Beglika Reservoir, this music fest of Bulgaria welcomes music enthusiasts and like-minded people.
Date: 31 August 2022(unconfirmed)
Location: Beglika Reservoir
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12. Pirin Sings Folklore Festival
Set in between Rila and Pirin mountains, the Pirin Sings Folklore Festival is a carnival that is held every five years. Promoting charm and diversity of folk music of Pirin region, this colourful festival delights every visitor. Other than the grand performances, there are competitions also which make the festival all the more exciting and intriguing.
Date: August 2022
Location: Predela
Further Read: Bulgaria In Winter: 10 Things To Do To Make Your Vacation Memorable
Festivals in Bulgaria are ever charming and cheerful. Every celebration has its own identity and tradition and these Bulgaria festivals in 2023 are an ideal reason to visit this place. Plan a customised holiday with Travel Triangle and be a part of these amazing traditions and festivals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bulgaria safe for tourists?
Bulgaria is considered to be a safe country but still, it is advised to stay cautious and be aware of the pickpocketers.
What is there to do in Bulgaria?
The travelers can visit places like Nessebar, Rila Monastery, Vitosha Mountain, Sozopol Old Town and Varna Sea Garden.
What is Bulgaria famous for?
Bulgaria is famous for various reasons which also includes a variety of mountains, plains, seas, rivers and a small desert to explore.
What is there to do in Bulgaria Sunny Beach?
People can have a great time around the Beachfront, Irakli, take a Turkish Bath or have an adventurous time at Karting track.
What is the best holiday resort in Bulgaria?
Balchik, Albena, St Vlas, Nessebar, Primorsko are some of the best holiday resorts in Bulgaria.
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A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.
