Every year, the Rose Pageant attracts vacationers from world wide to Bulgaria to be a part of its Celebration. It stands out as a singular celebration of Bulgarian traditions and tradition. The *Rosa damascena*, usually considered the “jewellery” of Bulgaria, symbolizes the nation’s wealthy heritage and artistry. This beautiful flower not solely captivates the senses but in addition performs a pivotal function in Bulgaria’s id, showcasing its magnificence to the world.
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A vibrant carnival parade handed alongside the central boulevard of Kazanlak, Bulgaria on Sunday, the ultimate day of the 122nd Rose Pageant. The most important road parade in Bulgaria is the much-anticipated excessive level of the competition. This yr, its motto was “A Festive Parade of Perfume and Magnificence.”
Kazanlak in historic occasions was a city in Stara Zagora Province, Bulgaria. It’s situated in the course of the plain of the identical identify, on the foot of the Balkan mountain vary, on the jap finish of the Rose Valley.
The Roses
Other than the roses, Kazanlak is also called the house of the Thracian Kings, and even now, you possibly can go to well-preserved Thracian tombs. These, along with the Museum of Roses, at the moment are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Websites. The Rose Museum is a must-see attraction in Kazanlak.
Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak
Found in 1944, this tomb dates from the Hellenistic interval, across the finish of the 4th century BC. It’s situated close to Seutopolis, the capital metropolis of the Thracian king Seutes III, and is a component of a big Thracian necropolis. The tholos has a slim hall and a spherical burial chamber, each embellished with murals representing Thracian burial rituals and tradition. These work are Bulgaria’s best-preserved creative masterpieces from the Hellenistic interval.
Led by the 2025 Rose Queen, Maria Shamburova, and runners-up Konstantina Kostadinova and Tanya Chipilska, this yr’s parade was extra vibrant and spectacular than in earlier years. Bulgarian folks teams showcased the heritage of the Valley of Roses to worldwide visitors.
The colourful procession featured native colleges, neighborhood facilities, cultural teams and worldwide contributors. Spectators loved conventional costumes and performances, with the celebration ending in a joyful horo chain dance led by the Iskra folks ensemble.
Among the many official visitors had been Nationwide Meeting Chair Nataliya Kiselova, Vice President Iliana Iotova, Metropolitan Cyprian of Stara Zagora, Parliament’s Deputy Chair Yuliana Mateeva, Training and Science Minister Krasimir Valchev, MPs, Stara Zagora Regional Governor Nedelcho Marinov, Municipal Council Chairman Nikolay Zlatanov, regional and native officers, and delegations from Kazanlak’s twin cities.
The Bulgarian Vice President speaks out
Addressing these gathered, Vice President Iliana Iotova mentioned the Bulgarian rose ought to have lengthy been protected with particular care by the state, not merely as a part of agricultural manufacturing, however as a nationwide treasure that deserves centered assist for individuals who domesticate and course of it. “I’m assured that with joint efforts, this can develop into a truth. Its magnificence aside, the rose can also be Bulgaria’s most interesting ambassador – it is aware of no borders,” she mentioned.
Recalling a current recognition within the fragrance capital of the world, the French city of Grasse, Iotova mentioned she had been proud to characterize Bulgaria alongside Kazanlak Deputy Mayor Srebra Kaseva. “There, the identify ‘Kazanlak’ is spoken with emotion and respect,” she famous, including that Mayor Galina Stoyanova had efficiently defended Bulgaria’s important oil trade in Europe. “You might be talked about not solely as a Bulgarian mayor and chief, however as a European chief,” she instructed Stoyanova, praising the efforts of the native administration. “This struggle isn’t just about Kazanlak, additionally it is about Karlovo, Pavel Banya, and each Bulgarian city that defends this trade.”
Iotova was referring to EC-proposed amendments to the Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Chemical substances, in line with which important oils can be categorized as probably harmful.
In 2023, Stoyanova warned that rose oil may lose its standing as an agricultural product and be handled as a chemical product beneath the chemical trade’s management guidelines. The Bulgarian MEPs from all political teams acted in unison on the time. They swayed a European Parliament vote in favour of a Bulgarian proposal to revise the tentative place on important oils.
The Roses are a Image of Bulgaria
Nataliya Kiselova mentioned, “The rose will not be solely an emblem of the Kazanlak Valley but in addition an emblem of Bulgaria.”
Mayor Galina Stoyanova additionally welcomed guests, inviting them to return and proceed writing Kazanlak’s story. She spoke of the Bulgarian rose as a cherished nationwide image and praised the generations of girls who’ve stored rose traditions alive. She famous that for hundreds of years, moms in Kazanlak have handed down the custom of weaving rose garlands to their daughters.
Earlier within the day, guests from Bulgaria and overseas gathered close to Kazanlak for the normal rose-picking ritual, reenacted by native folks ensembles, which is without doubt one of the highlights of the Rose Pageant. It was attended by ambassadors and Diplomatic Corps representatives, and delegations from Kazanlak’s twin cities.
