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Kazanlak, Town In The Valley Of
Roses
 Kazanlak,
a city in the centre of the Rose Valley, is known for its
traditional Rose Festival which is held every year during the first
weekend in June. This festival originates from the celebrations held
at the beginning of the rose-harvesting period.
The moment you step in Kazanlak you will inevitably feel the beauty
and magic of the Bulgarian Rose. This small, but extremely
picturesque town will welcome you with a burst of sweet fragrance
and colours. Even out of season of the big events honouring the
Rose, the town is checkered with colourful gardens, where magical
flowers bloom.
The first Rose Festival in Kazanlak took place in 1903. A few years
later, a similar fest was organized in the town of Karlovo, situated
in the same area. The electing of Queen Rose, the harvesting ritual
in the rose gardens and the parade along the streets of the town are
the most interesting events during the festival. Nowadays, similar
events are held at almost all towns in the “Rose Valley”.
In Kazanlak, the
festival takes place in the famous Rose valley (Rozova Dolina),
situated west of the city of Kazanlak, which is the center of the
rose oil industry. The "valley of roses" geologically consists of
the valleys of the rivers Stryama and Tundzha, south of the Balkan
Mountains, in the eastern part of the lower Sredna Gora chain. This
valley is famous for the cultivation of roses and production of rose
oil (essential oil extracted from the petals of roses - the most
widely used oil in perfumery). Kazanlak`s rose gardens are also the
largest rose gardens in the whole world.
 The
celebrations for the blossom of the roses started early in the
morning with the rose-gathering ritual. The roses are picked
traditionally by women dressed in Bulgarian folk costumes. The
gathering process requires great dexterity and patience. The flowers
are carefully cut one by one and laid in willow-baskets which are
then sent to the distilleries. After that, the crowd continues on
the streets with the ‘Kukeri’ march (a traditional ritual to scare
away evil spirits performed by men in costumes). The festival
continues with the sounds of Bulgarian folk music accompanied by
traditional dances. Young girls and boys dressed in traditional folk
costumes meet the guests of the feast and the event culminates with
fireworks. During this period, the area of the rose fields gives off
a pleasant scent and is covered with multi-coloured blooms. It is
especially marvelous in May when the rose blossoms and the fragrance
heady and heavenly.
Mostly, the programmes at the festivals include various exhibitions,
award ceremonies, tournaments and competitions of all types. Bazaars
and even conferences regarding the problems and perspectives of the
local rose oil producers are held as well as public discussions
about the economical and cultural development of the towns in the
area.
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