Долината на розите
Valley of the Roses.
As the name suggests, this region is full of roses in the summer months. Made locally is the famous rose oils and perfume. The festival of the roses has been celebrated for nearly 100 years and mass harvests take place mainly in the villages of Karlovo and Kazanluk. The festival consists of dancing and singing in traditional costume in the main square in Karlovo with where traditional arts and crafts are displayed. Dressed in national costumes, young boys and girls, with folk songs and music demonstrate the picking of rose flowers for the extraction of the famous Bulgarian rose oil. Families and friends of Karlovites from all over the country, Bulgarian and foreign tourists, state leaders and diplomats all gather for the celebrations.
The festival of the roses normally takes place on the last weekend in May, with the main day for Karlovo being the Saturday and Kazanluk on the Sunday, however both towns have different activities and events being held over the whole weekend.
Traditionally held in the first week before Lent is the Kukeri festival – local men dress in animal costumes and masks dancing around the streets. This is said to ward off evil, while the local children dress in traditional costume singing local folk songs.
There are many local festivals and traditions that take place all over the country. These details can be obtained locally.
Dates for Rose Festival 2008
Main Day - Saturday 30st May - Karlovo
Main Day - Sunday 31st May - Kazanluk
