If you want to see what Bulgaria looked like around a hundred years ago, visit Zheravna in August. Three days away from civilization, wearing folk costumes and stepping back a century and a half, in the most Bulgarian time, you can once again immerse yourself in the sounds and colors of the unique modern fairy tale.
Events & Activities
The Festival of National Costumes will take place from 5 pm on Friday until 2 pm on Sunday. This vibrant event includes performances by folklore groups, festive treats, tastings of national Bulgarian dishes, games, dances, songs, and fun activities amidst the beautiful views and summits of the Stara Planina Mountains.
Orchestras
Visitors can enjoy performances by the familiar main orchestras, which have been a part of the festival since the festival's inception: the Etropolis Wind Music, the Zurni from Petrich, the Thracian Orchestra "Gerg'ovden," and the Rhodope "100" kaba bagpipes. This year, guest musicians on the stage of "Zheravna 2024" will include the orchestras "Orpheus" and "Thracian Mood," as well as Nikolay Slaveev, Svetla Dukateva, Zdravko Mandajiev, and many others. Our traditional competitions will also be part of the festivities.
Rules
The main rule of the festival is that the participants should wear a folk costume (authentic or stylized). Clothing from the beginning of the twentieth century, as well as traditional outfits for various countries and priestly garments, are also accepted. Men can wear old military uniforms and weapons. It is forbidden to wear modern clothes and accessories, to use sunglasses, cameras, or telephones. If you don't have national costumes, locals can help you with the preparation.
History of Zheravna Festival of the National Costume
National folklore ensemble "Bulgare" has been the practical host of the festival since its inception in 2008. The Festival of National Costumes is an original, authentic holiday, and teams from many European countries visit it.
