Folklore Days - Koprivshtitsa 98
On August 13 - 16, in Koprivshtitsa, Folklore Days were organized by the Koprivshtitsa Foundation and the Municipality of Koprivshtitsa.
The Koprivshtitsa Foundation was established in 1995 by the Kambana regional newspaper, the Municipality of Koprivshtitsa, Bimak AG, the village of Chelopech, and Dr. Ekaterina Oslekova. The main goals of the Foundation are to aid all aspects of development of Koprivshtitsa and the region, to preserve and enrich the cultural and architectural heritage, to preserve and provide support for folklore, traditions and customs, to work for the spiritual revival and economic prosperity of Koprivshtitsa by developing tourism and making the town an active international center of tourism and culture.
In 1995, the Foundation organized and funded Art Days Koprivshtitsa 95. in 1996 and 1997, the Foundation and the Municipality were the main agents that participated in the organization of the celebrations dedicated to the 120th and 121st anniversary of the April Uprising, respectively. In August 1996, the first Folklore Days in Koprivshtitsa took place. They were organized and funded by the Foundation with the aid of the Municipality, many supporters and friends. The idea to choose the area between the community center of the town and the old school as stage for all events turned out to be very successful. It helped recreate a spirit of old town fairs. In 1997, the second issue of Folklore Days took place. It was attended by more than 40 ensembles and more than 50 individual performers. The celebrations attract a lot of spectators, contribute to the revival of the town, and bring in many tourists. As part of the festivities, the Craftsmen Union exhibited works of its members. A scientific conference under the motto Economic Revival of Koprivshtitsa - Traditions, Contemporaneity and Opportunities was held. It provoked great interest. The festival not only helps preserve Bulgarian national folklore in a unique way, but it also fosters the development of private businesses in the town by being an attraction for many tourists and guests.
This year, just before the great religious holiday of Assumption, Koprivshtitsa heard the songs of more than 110 guest ensembles again. The performers, aged between 5 and 70, from all over Bulgaria, wore costumes made 50 or even 100 years ago. Often one could hear a spectator exclaim I did not have the slightest idea that there are such costumes in Bulgaria! Many songs were sung, many jokes were told, many customs were shown to the audience on the meadow under the magnificent beech-trees. Traders from the whole region had come, just like at a real fair. There was not a single vacant bed left in Koprivshtitsa and one could only wonder how the local people had managed to provide food for so many people. Three days, from early morning till late night, authentic songs from all over Bulgaria could be heard. Groups of foreigners would visit the beautiful houses and historical sites in Koprivshtitsa and would then came back to the meadow to join the dances. It was obvious that some of them had had lessons in Bulgarian folk dances and were doing quite well.
A scientific conference Bulgarian Regional and Cultural Values as a Pan-European Identity was held. It was chaired by Prof. Andrei Pantev. Maybe the best proof that Bulgarians are Europeans is the fact that for the last 15 years a discussion on how to join a united Europe without losing our own identity as Bulgarians has been going on. The conference was attended by prominent Bulgarian intellectuals and scientists, foreign guests, representatives of the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education, artists unions, NGOs, etc.
Among the events organized during the Folklore Days were an exhibition of crafts, a Bulgaria Sings in Koprivshtitsa photo competition, a celebration of the church holiday of Church of the Assumption, a concert of a folk ensemble from Zlatitsa s Yugoslavian twin city, Bechey, and a traditional wrestling competition.
Folklore Days Koprivshtitsa 98 were such a wonderful experience that we hope to have them and enjoy them for many years to come! May those whose efforts make this celebration happen for a third consecutive year -- participants, sponsors, organizers -- be blessed! The Foundaton for Local Government Reform shall keep a humble satisfaction that through a modest contribution it has made these wonderful festivities come true!