site.btaPM Zhelyazkov Opens 13th National Festival of Folk Art in Koprivshtitsa

This is a gathering of Bulgarians, where we show the spirit of the Bulgarian people, our Bulgarian traditions, our view of the future with the past that is in the Bulgarian gene, with every form of expression of our sad fate in songs and dances, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said on Saturday at the opening of the 13th National Festival of Folk Art in Koprivshtitsa. 

The ceremony was also attended by the mayor of Koprivshtitsa, Maria Toromanova, the Minister of Culture, Marian Bachev, the regional governor of Sofia Province, Silvia Arnautska, and the deputy chairman of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Emanuil Mutafov.

The main media partners of the event are the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), the Bulgarian National Television, and the Bulgarian National Radio.

Prime Minister Zhelyazkov emphasized that he was very excited to be the patron of such a wonderful gathering, which has long since transcended the boundaries of a festival of folk art. 

Bulgarian song blends lyricism, epic spirit, and elegy, reflecting the nation’s often difficult history, yet also celebrates heroic and love themes, said Zhelyazkov. "The audience will enjoy the unique Valya Balkanska performing Izlel e Delyo Haydutin, merging her voice with the cosmic recording of the song, echoing among the stars."

The Bulgarian dance is present at every celebration - weddings, baptisms, birthdays - always with the traditional "pravo horo", the Prime Minister noted. This reflects the essence of Bulgarian folk art, created collectively over centuries, with everyone a contributor, including in the traditional costumes, ornaments, and embroidery worn today.

"Bulgarian embroidery combines earthly and mystical symbols making its folklore unique. Surrounded by the beauty of Bulgaria’s nature, flowers, and smiles, we are happy to be together as a people," the Prime Minister said at the opening of the festival.