Five interesting facts about Bulgaria

Bulgaria is multifaceted - there are sunny beaches and snow-covered ski slopes, parks and monuments, balneological resorts and luxury hotels, secluded monasteries, unlimited opportunities for healing. This country has 9 sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Freed from the shadow of the communist era, megacities offer a European level of service, great shopping. In the countryside, original cultural traditions and a truly Bulgarian atmosphere of hospitality have been preserved. Unusual facts expand the understanding of this unique amazing country.

What is striking and unusual in Bulgaria?

Formed in 681, Bulgaria never changed its geographical name. The official language is Bulgarian and is spoken by all ethnic groups. One of the national symbols of the country is the guardsmen of the Bulgarian army. The guard takes part in holding national holidays, diplomatic meetings, carries an honor guard in front of the entrance to the presidential residence.

The uniform of the National Guardsmen was invented at the end of the 19th century and has not changed since then. The main attributes of a military costume are eagle feathers on caps, which symbolize the pride of the spirit, silver buttons in the shape of loaves of bread, a symbol of close connection with the mother earth.

Gestures in reverse

The most common curiosity that many tourists fall into is the misinterpretation of affirmation / denial gestures. When denying, the locals nod their heads, and when they agree with something, they twist to the sides, which is the opposite of traditional signs.

According to one of the legends, the gestures were specially changed during the Ottoman rule in order to mislead the enemies.

treasure country

Greeks, Romans, Thracians, Turks, Slavs, Scythians visited the Bulgarian lands. Many ships sank on the coast. Historical events left not only a cultural, but literally a “golden” mark. Numerous treasure hunters come to the country. Over the past hundred years, more than a hundred accumulations of treasures and rare items have been found in the country, and this is only official data.

Rakia - a measure of Bulgarian wealth

The national alcoholic drink of Bulgaria is rakia. It can be pear, plum, apricot, produced industrially and at home. Rakia fortress - 40 degrees, and with home cooking - up to 60%. It is believed that the strength and quantity of brandy in the basement of the owners is a symbol and measure of family wealth.

Gaida is a Bulgarian bagpipe

The national musical instrument of Bulgaria is the gaida. It has a somewhat intimidating appearance. In the traditional version, it consists of a goat's waterskin and the animal's head, from which a pipe protrudes. On the sides there are holes for bass sounds. Real guides are made by craftsmen piece by piece, according to old technologies.

The gaida sounds harsh and loud, and is used during folk holidays and festivals to accompany dances.

"Every miracle in three days"

The local national phenomenon is called "every miracle in three days." It has been noticed that any event, a fashionable hobby covers the entire population, arouses general interest, but the excitement lasts only three days, then subsides.

The rose is the symbol of Bulgaria

The Balkan state is deservedly called the country of roses. The first plantations appeared here in the 17th century. Since then, roses have been grown on an industrial scale, used to produce rose oil, rose water for cosmetics and perfumes. Bulgaria supplies 85% of the total volume of rose oil to the world market. Funds based on it are the most popular and precious souvenir.

Traditionally, at the end of May, a festival dedicated to the collection of petals is held in the Rose Valley. This event attracts thousands of tourists.

Every Bulgarian city is worth visiting and attention, but there are places that are simply impossible not to visit.

Which cities are worth a visit?

Plovdiv, a city that is older than Rome and Constantinople, abounds in architectural monuments. The city is located on seven hills, each location offers stunning views. Sights - the central street, the ancient amphitheater, the monument to the Soviet soldier Alyosha, the ethnographic museum, the garden of Tsar Simeon, the Bachkovo Monastery. The best way to explore all the historical sites is to go on a bus tour.

Veliko Tarnovo, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The ancient fortress Tsarevets, the Church of the Holy Forty Martyrs, an art gallery, and numerous museums are located here. It is pleasant to walk slowly around the old city, literally feeling the transformations in time. It is interesting to visit the quarter of artisans, taste branded tartare in local cafes, buy souvenirs in local shops.

Other popular tourist destinations are Sofia, Bansko, Sardanski, Melnik, Varna.