site.btaUPDATED President Iotova Opens 25th National Folklore Festival for Two-Part Singing

Speaking at the opening of the 25th National Folklore Festival for Two-Part Singing in Nedelino, Southern Bulgaria, President Iliana Iotova said on Friday that preserving Bulgarian traditions and identity in this turbulent world is a matter of Bulgaria’s security. The festival saw performers from more than 100 Bulgarian community centres take to the stage, as well as artists from Turkiye, Spain, Poland, Romania, Moldova, Serbia, and the Republic of North Macedonia.

Iotova said: "A nation is strong when it knows its history, passes on its traditions, preserves its identity and teaches it to its children." She shared with the guests of the event that, although she is half Rhodopean, she once found it difficult to understand and make sense of Rhodopean song lyrics. She added: "Most of them [the songs] are sad, because such is the fate of the Rhodope Mountains, but they spring from the human heart. And despite the sadness, there is always optimism and a very deep faith in life. That is why we cherish this treasure as if it were a precious gem."

The competition part of the festival will end on Sunday.