The largest cultural event of Bulgaria began in Smolian today. Guests of the city and locals will show the talent and energy that only thousands of bearers of Bulgarian culture can.

After a year of preparations and sifting out the participants, the performances of 320 folklore ensembles, traditional dancing groups, orchestras and over a hundred individual performers will present the colourful songs of the Bulgarian ancestors.

At an official press conference today, the minister of culture Stefan Danailov, the mayor of Smolian Dora Yankova and the chairman of the Union of national culture centers Stoyan Denchev invited all Bulgarians interested in the national heritage throughout the ages to join the grand project.

The national folklore days of Smolian will take place between June 11th – 13th. In each day, guests will enjoy a variety of emotions, dances, music and colour. If anyone wishes to delve deeper into the culture of the Rodopi region, he can visit any of the 92 culture centers in the region of Smolian.

According to the mayor of Smolian Dora Yankova “during these three days the living treasury of the Bulgarian culture will thrive in the valley of Smolian”. She wishes that all of Bulgaria keeps their traditions like the region of Smolian.

The minister of culture Stefan Danailov hopes that this year’s event will become a tradition in the future. He also hopes that the national folklore days in Smolian will show the people that Bulgaria is not only elections at the moment, but also culture.

A national forum of the culture centers of Bulgaria will accompany the colourful days of the national folklore festival. This Bulgarian cultural phenomenon is in a Renaissance state during the last few years. The chairman of the Union of culture centers – Stoyan Denev stated today in the Ministry of culture that he supports globalization, but there isn’t a place for it in culture.

You can find additional information for the program of the National folklore days of Smolian 2009 at the website of the city or at the press center of the municipality itself.