Have you ever wondered where the traditions for the celebration of the oil-bearing rose come from and how this local holiday of the people of Kazanlak has become one of the world's biggest festivals?, which gathers folklore in one place, traditions and history of a nation?

Holiday, became so famous, that every year it is visited by tourists from every corner of the globe, traveling thousands of miles just to see the beauty of the rose fields, to get acquainted with our folklore and traditions, and last but not least to try the wonderful Bulgarian dishes and drinks. We know, that you are curious, and you want to learn the most interesting things about the Rose Festival! Enjoy reading.

It all starts in the distant 1903 year, when the citizens of gr. Kazanlak for the first time organized a Rose Festival. It was dedicated not only to beauty but also to flowers, also of mercy. Rich exhibitions of roses and other flowers were organized, excursions to the Shipka Monastery. Specially issued cards with views from the Rose Valley on the theme - rose picking were sold, traditional production of rose oil, etc..

In the 30s of the XX century. The Feast of the Rose gained greater national fame. With the launch of the sub-Balkan line, during the Rose Festival, special trains were assembled to visit the Rose Valley. Special discounted tickets were issued, who invited citizens from different parts of Bulgaria to visit the Rose Valley during the dismantling, to feel the unsurpassed scent of roses. Due to numerous circumstances, the celebration of the holiday was suspended for a short time, but in 1966. the tradition has been completely restored, a special organizing committee has been elected for this purpose.

Over the years, The Rose Festival turns into a large-scale and colorful Festival, which is gaining popularity all over the world. Thousands of tourists visit Kazanlak, to catch a glimpse of the many events during the Rose Festival. They are the most interesting and colorful:

The ritual "Rose picking and rosary" is the annual central event for official guests and foreign tourists during the culminating Sunday of the century-old Rose Festival in Kazanlak. Pickers in folk costumes, groups for authentic folklore, mummers and dance groups announce the rose gardens and welcome the guests of the Feast. In the fertile rose gardens of the Rose Valley, they invite guests to pick from the flower of the gods - the oil-bearing Kazanlak rose, to taste pink jam, gyulovitsa and rose liqueur. The most skillful picker is chosen, which receives a reward for its diligence from the owners themselves. Recreated by professional and amateur folk groups are the rituals "Rose picking" and "Rosavarene". The rose oil is boiled in the gulpan, and the hosts give the guests the freshly produced rose water.

Competition-performance "Queen Rose" is a performance-parade of the most beautiful and charming Kazanlak high school graduates, which are part of the pride and emblem of the city. Traditionally, the Rose Festival begins with him. The show is the most anticipated event in Kazanlak for the year and gathers the most emotion from spectators and guests.. The competition for the election of Queen Rose is held for the first time in 1963 year, by choosing Miss Rose, 18-the year-old graduate Stefka Taralezhkova. The first Queen Rose of Kazanlak was Radka Dobreva, selected through 1968 year. Since then, every year the city of roses chooses its queen of, which presents it at various international forums and becomes a preserved emblem and symbol of the Rose Valley and Bulgaria. With its attractiveness and emotion, the Queen Rosa contest enjoys huge international journalistic interest..

In a series of various charity events, the organizer of the competition, Municipality of Kazanlak, gives the opportunity to the residents of the Rose Valley and the numerous guests of the city in the period May-June, to get acquainted with the contenders for the crown of the Kazanlak queen, in a kind of "Tour of the Queens". From 2013 year the competition for the election of Queen Rose is patented and is the right of the Municipality of Kazanlak. The annually elected Queen Rosa visits various forums in the twin cities of Kazanlak in different continents and is a beautiful ambassador of Bulgaria to the world. He also leads the festive carnival procession, which is the culmination of the Feast of the Rose, on the first Sunday of June. She parades with a unique crown, made by the jeweler Lyubomir Dudev. He is also the author of attractive jewelry, which adorn the Kazanlak queen.

Above 5 Thousands of participants in a colorful carnival procession parade for an hour on the streets of Kazanlak, depicting different moments in the history and multifaceted culture of the Rose Valley. In the colorful carnival procession, the emblematic "Bulgarians" from Chudomir's stories parade - the unsurpassed kaka Siika, Bay Ganyo, false Sabi and other characteristic images of the Rose Valley. The beautiful and cheerful ranks are led by Queen Rosa, her runners-up and the retinue of the little Princesses of the Rose. Mummers chase evil, and the horsemen guard the colorful rows of the carnival procession. In colorful strings of embroidery and fancy costumes, representatives of various folklore formations announce the city with songs and dances. Rosie and beauty, beauty and roses!

And did you remain fascinated by all this?? We hope you enjoyed the article and made you visit this piece of Paradise, in the heart of Bulgaria, also called, The Valley of the Roses and the Thracian Kings. Come and see for yourself the beauty and aroma of the valley, learn more about our traditions.

Visit the numerous Thracian tombs in the region of Kazanlak. In the historical museum of the town. Kazanlak you will see one of the largest collections of exhibits in Bulgaria.

But don't forget, we are in the village. Skobelevo, and it is only on 15 minutes from Kazanlak. We are expecting you!