site.btaKazanlak Oil-Bearing Rose a Symbol of Bulgaria - Rose Queen Maria Shamburova Says

The symbol of Bulgaria to the world is the Kazanlak oil-bearing rose, said the 57th Rose Queen of Kazanlak, Maria Shamburova, and her runners-up Konstantina Kostadinova and Tanya Chipilska at the BTA National Press Club here Sunday. The three young women, selected from 33 contestants during a grand ceremony on May 15, were guests at the presentation of the April issue of LIK magazine dedicated to Bulgaria's participation in world expos. 

“I believe that Bulgaria should present its beautiful oil-bearing rose everywhere. It inspires people around the world with its incredible fragrance,” said Maria Shamburova. She added that both Kazanlak and the country should continue to promote their extraordinary culture and traditions — the rich Thracian heritage, as well as the remarkable artists — luthiers, painters, writers.

“Bulgaria has always showcased the Kazanlak oil-bearing rose and rose products — we call rose oil our liquid gold for a reason,” noted Konstantina Kostadinova. For this reason, she emphasized, the oil-bearing rose, rose products, and rose cultivation in general should be symbols not only of Kazanlak but of Bulgaria on a global level. She also pointed out that Thracian culture is something that distinguishes Kazanlak and makes it unique and incomparable to any other city in the world.

“Our beautiful oil-bearing rose, grown in the Valley of the Thracian Kings, is a worthy symbol to represent all of Bulgaria,” said Tanya Chipilska. She expressed her belief that the traditions of the Rose City [Kazanlak] are famous everywhere and that everyone wishes to experience them.

The “Rose Queen” contest in Kazanlak is the oldest beauty competition in the country. Its aim is not merely to crown the most beautiful contestant, but to preserve and promote the longstanding tradition of the oil-bearing rose to the world. Over the next year, the three winners will represent Kazanlak and Bulgaria at cultural and tourism forums around the globe. By tradition, the Rose Queen visits Japan, where Kazanlak has maintained a 40-year partnership with the cities of Fukuyama and Munakata. A Rose Festival is organized in Fukuyama, identical to the one in Kazanlak, including the selection of a Rose Queen. The partnership with Munakata is connected to the participation of the “Arsenal” folklore ensemble in the city’s cultural festival.

Maria Shamburova, Rose Queen 2025 and a member of the “Arsenal” ensemble, also shared that she had the opportunity to travel to Munakata twice to represent Kazanlak and Bulgaria as part of the folklore group. She stated that interest from the Japanese, as well as other foreigners, in the oil-bearing rose is enormous. “They are inspired not only by our art, folk dances, and traditions, but also by the rose itself, which captivates them with its beautiful color and fragrance,” the Queen of the Valley said.

The election of the Rose Queen recently marked the official beginning of the 122nd Rose Festival in Kazanlak, which will culminate on June 6, 7, and 8.