At the time of its liberation from the Ottoman Empire in 1878, Bulgaria had been cut off from the mainstream of European culture for half a millennium. However, a pent-up energy and enthusiasm soon made themselves felt in every sphere, and today the country has seven inscriptions on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
From community centres and folklore festivals to carpet-weaving and fire-dancing, these authentic traditions reveal the real Bulgaria.
Martenitsa
The
martenitsa is a small token made of red and white wool, in the form of a tassel, a bracelet or necklace, or a couple of little figures, Pizho and Penda.