Bulgarian Ensembles Take Part in International Festival "Music and Traditions in Bucharest"

Momchil Rusev, BTA Corr. Martina Gancheva

Bulgarian ensemble participating in International Festival "Music and Traditions in Bucharest" in the Romanian capital on June 17 (BTA Photo)

Bucharest,

17.06.2023 21:49

(BTA)

There is Bulgarian participation at the International Festival Music and Traditions in Bucharest, which takes place this weekend in the Romanian capital. The event brings together the traditions and cultures of different Balkan nations and presents their national identity through authentic folklore.

The women of the Bulgarian folklore ensemble Asiga from Tulcea were the first to perform on the festival stage located on Kiseleff Road on Saturday.

"We presented to the residents and guests of Bucharest several old Bulgarian songs and dances from the time of our parents. The costumes we wore are 120 years old. Our ensemble has existed for 15 years," the oldest lady of the group, who is 74 years old, told BTA. "We go to Bulgaria every year," her daughter added.

There will be a Bulgarian presence on the stage of the festival on Sunday as well. The country will be represented by the professional ensemble Nastroenie of the Stara Zagora National Theatre, which has won awards at national and international level. The group includes 25 people.

"It's not my first time on a Romanian stage, but most of my colleagues have never come to Romania before. Our emotion is very strong - between embarrassment and joy. We have to represent Bulgaria with dignity this Sunday," Plamena Toneva, who has been dancing for ten years, told BTA.

"We have prepared three Bulgarian dances - one Northern and two Thracian," Radostin added. He has never come to Romania before and can barely hide his excitement behind the Bulgarian tricolour he holds in his hand.

The youngsters have been preparing all year for their participation in the international festival. On Saturday, dressed in Thracian costumes, they joined the Asiga ensemble in the parade of folk costumes alongside representatives of other countries, including Serbia, Turkey, Hungary, Ukraine, Greece and Romania.

400 people took a group photo and walked together along the three-kilometre route from the Romanian Athenaeum along Calea Victoriei [Victory Avenue] to Victory Square in Bucharest.

/MR/