site.btaUPDATED Annual Rose-Picking Ritual, Parade in Kazanlak Attract Guests from Bulgaria, Abroad
Visitors from Bulgaria and abroad gathered for the annual rose-picking ritual in the rose fields near Kazanlak on the final day of the 123rd Rose Festival. Among the official guests were President Iliana Iotova, Deputy Tourism Minister Mariela Modeva, Kazanlak Mayor Galina Stoyanova, Municipal Council Chair Nikolay Zlatanov, Stara Zagora Regional Governor Kaloyan Damyanov and his deputy Zoya Koleva, MPs, BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, directors of state and municipal institutions, mayors of municipalities and towns, ambassadors and other representatives of the diplomatic corps, as well as delegations from Kazanlak’s sister cities.
The event was accompanied by folk performances, and guests had the opportunity to meet the 58th Rose Queen, Denitsa Malcheva, and her runners-up, Yoana Mitseva and Anzhela Ivanova. Many tourists had the opportunity to learn about rose distillation, and in the rose fields near Kazanlak, guests of the city and Bulgaria enjoyed a rose harvest reenactment performed by local ensembles.
The Rose Festival continued on the main boulevard in Kazanlak with the country’s largest street parade, led by Queen of the Rose Valley Denitsa Malcheva. For an hour, representatives from all kindergartens and schools in the municipality, community centres, sports clubs, and various dance groups as well as representatives from Kazanlak’s sister cities and visiting groups from across the country and abroad, paraded down Kazanlak’s main street. The parade consisted of several blocks, with the organizers’ goal being to showcase the region’s long-standing tradition of rose cultivation and to highlight the region’s cultural diversity and identity.
Addressing those in attendance, President Iotova said that the oil-bearing rose is Bulgaria's most beautiful symbol. The head of State emphasized the importance of the Rose Valley as a symbol of the country. In her words, the Rose Festival is among the most recognizable Bulgarian events and has been representing Bulgaria to the world for over a century. The President noted that this year’s edition continues a tradition with over 120 years of history. She expressed confidence that the number of visitors from Bulgaria and abroad would continue to grow.
Iotova paid tribute to the generations of rose growers, entrepreneurs, and public figures who have contributed to the international renown of Bulgarian rose oil. “Today we must express our immense respect for those who started this tradition, for those who brought fame to the Kazanlak rose at the world’s largest international exhibitions, and for those who brought golden glory to Bulgaria,” she said. The President recalled that it was precisely the labour of generations of Bulgarians that turned rose oil into a product known worldwide as “Bulgaria’s liquid gold.” According to her, the country’s greatest wealth remains its people.
Deputy Tourism Minister Modeva said that her Ministry sees enormous potential in the Rose Festival for promoting and establishing cultural and festival tourism. She emphasized that every year, thousands of tourists from all over the world are drawn to this event, which leaves them with unforgettable memories. "The Bulgarian rose is one of the most recognizable symbols of our country around the world, and Kazanlak can rightly be proud that it preserves and develops this priceless heritage," the Deputy Minister stated. "May the scent of the beautiful Bulgarian rose continue to carry Bulgaria’s fame throughout the world," she concluded.
Kazanlak Mayor Stoyanova said everyone who sets foot in Kazanlak is blessed. She began her speech with a poem dedicated to the city and the Rose Valley. She emphasized that Kazanlak is sunny and smiling, bathed in roses. "Take this happiness back to where you come from; experience this day and this festival with joy," she told those present.
/DS/
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