Shiroka Luka Festival to Kick off This Weekend

Sofia Echo, Feb 29, 2008

The annual traditional folklore festival in the Rhodopi Mountains village of Shiroka luka will be held on March 1-2 this year. The festival is known worldwide and well-attended by Bulgarians from all over the country and foreigners from all ends of the world.

The event is held annually in March, with "koukeri" dancers (traditional Bulgarian mummers) gathering from many villages and performing in the picturesque Rhodopi village of Shiroka luka.

It is believed that the koukeri chase away the bad spirits and dance for a good harvest during the new year. In addition, the visitors enjoy performances of traditional Bulgarian folklore singers wearing their colorful Bulgarian costumes from the past. The songs of the Rhodopi region and especially melodious and lyrical, and are world-renowned.

Shiroka luka village is located near the town of Smolyan and Pamporovo winter resort. The tourists who visit the event usually book rooms in Shiroka luka but also in all nearby villages Gela, Stikal or Solishta.

Bulgarian news from The Sofia Echo