site.btaDance Inspired by Laduvane Custom to Be Presented in Munich, Elbetitsa Folk Dance Group Leader Says

The Bulgarian folk dance group Elbetitsa from Offenburg, Germany, will take part in the 11th edition of the travelling festival Expats Join Hands in Worldwide Dance, to be held from May 15 to 17 at BMW Park in Munich.

The group will present a dance inspired by the traditional Bulgarian custom of laduvane, which is performed during various holidays such as St George’s Day, Midsummer Day, Lazarus Saturday and New Year's Day. The choreography recreates the ritual as traditionally performed on New Year's Day, a time associated with predictions and wishes for health, love and prosperity, group leader Natali Velcheva told BTA.

Velcheva described laduvane as a meaningful and symbolic tradition centred on themes of love, youth and marriage, making it a natural foundation for the group's performance.

The choreography was created by Antoaneta Asenova-Danova, whom Velcheva described as a highly skilled professional who inspired and united the group, enriching them with valuable knowledge and experience.

According to Velcheva, the performance conveys a message about the hopes of young women, the arrival of love with the new year and the enduring power of Bulgarian traditions in creating families and sustaining life. It tells a story of love leading to the formation of a family and a new beginning.

Preparations for the festival are progressing with enthusiasm, she added, noting that rehearsals are becoming increasingly intensive as the group strives to give its best.

Elbetitsa was founded in October 2025 by enthusiasts of Bulgarian folklore. Its name derives from an ancient Bulgarian symbol of the double cross, representing the connection between the earthly and the spiritual, as well as the eternal cycle of nature.

Through folklore, the group aims to serve as a bridge between generations, Velcheva said, adding that members of different ages participate, including families where parents and children dance together. The group includes participants as young as eight, as well as teenagers and adults, with six male dancers among its members.

Velcheva said the group is eagerly anticipating its first stage appearance as one of the youngest ensembles at the festival, expressing confidence that their dedication and passion will lead to a strong performance.

The travelling festival, Expats Join Hands in Worldwide Dance, is organized by and for amateur folklore ensembles performing outside Bulgaria. The initiative was launched by the Ot Izvora group in Lyon, France, which hosted the first edition in 2015 and the tenth edition in 2025. More than 100 dance ensembles and over 4,000 guests are expected at the 11th edition in Munich in May. The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) is the official media partner of the event and will present all participants.