Tvarditsa, Bulgaria: On June 10, 2023, the 49th edition of the Balkan city’s traditional holiday, “The Balkan sings and tells”, was held in Tvarditsa. The primary objective was to preserve folklore traditions, enrich and involve the population in folk values, and preserve the diversity of Bulgarian identity.
Dryanovo has been invariably participating in the holidays of the renaissance spirit “The Balkans sings and tells” from 1973 until today.
Together with Tryavna, Gurkovo, Kotel, Tvarditsa and Elena, the city of Kolyu Ficheto jealously preserves traditions, involves the population in the timeless values of the Bulgarian spirit, preserves and enriches the folklore wealth of Bulgarian homeland.
Dryanovtsi holds song, fairytale and dance creativity, discovers and develops young people’s talents, keeps continuity between generations alive, and stimulates creativity at all ages.
The holiday began with a parade of participants – self-made teams from the cities of Kotel, Dryanovo, Gurkovo, Tryavna, Tvarditsa and Elena.
The holiday, which this year coincided with the 40th anniversary of the joining of the town of Tvarditsa to the folklore edition, was officially opened by the mayor of Tvarditsica Municipality – Atanas Atanasov. He welcomed all residents and guests and wished them a pleasant holiday.
In the festive program, the Municipality of Dryanovo presented itself with the performances of self-made people and children from the “Vurban Genchev-1924” community.
Tsareva Livada and NCH “Dryanovska Awakening-2008” – Dryanovo: Folk Singing Group “Tsarevolivadski Chants” with leader Mitko Marinov and Majorette and Modern Dance Composition with leader Rumyana Petkova.
During the holiday, all participants had the opportunity to present their hometown with promotional materials and souvenirs at specially located stands.
A long-standing tradition of the holiday, in addition to the concert performance, is also its accompanying events – a contest for the reproduction of original embroidered motifs sewn into parts of the folk costumes of Balkan cities, exhibitions, bazaars and other attractions that enrich it and every year is an expected and exciting experience.
After the folklore programs of all cities, the organizers awarded the winners of the pre-announced contest titled: “Bound Heritage Reached Us”—Mariana Veleva from the “Vurban Genchev-1924” community.
Tsareva Meadow worthily represented the Municipality of Dryanovo with third place for reproducing an original embroidery motif.
Over the years, the relay – whoever hosts the holiday of the Balkan cities, has been passed from city to city. This year’s holiday flag hosting was handed over to Gurkovo Municipality, which will, in turn, collect talent from Balkan towns in the summer of 2024.