We will tell you about the traditions and habits of the locals, about the secrets of Bulgarian cuisine, as well as about the unique places in Bulgaria that are worth visiting.
Today, Bulgaria is not only about pristine beaches, gentle sea waves, and picturesque landscapes. It is a fascinating country that reveals something new to its visitors at every step. An article with interesting facts about this tourist destination will help you prepare for your upcoming trip to Bulgaria.
Traditions and Habits of the Locals
Language
The official language of the country is Bulgarian. Russian, English, and German are also commonly spoken.
Interestingly, in Bulgaria it is not customary to admit thatyou don’t know the answer to a question. Locals are more likely to give a vague, unclear, or even incorrect answer, but they will never say “I don’t know.”
Gestures
Keep in mind that expressions of agreement and disagreement in Bulgaria are the opposite of what we are used to. This means that Bulgarians shake their heads to say “yes” and nod—or slightly toss their heads upward—to say “no.”
It is believed that during the rule of the Ottoman Empire, people changed their gestures to trick the enemy when asked, under threat of a dagger, if they would renounce Orthodoxy. This tradition of cunning survived through the centuries.
Traditional Musical Instruments
In Bulgaria, the national instrument is the unique “gaida” (Bulgarianbagpipe). Street musicians in Nessebar often play the gaida to the delight of passersby.
Rose Cult
It is on the territory of a small country like Bulgaria that about 90% of the world's reserves of rose oil are produced. The Klondike for the valuable raw material is located in the Valley of Roses, near the town of Kazanlak.
Rose oil, as well as other products from this beautiful flower, have been used for centuries in perfumery and cosmetics. These ingredients are excellent for cleansing the skin, relieving swelling, and have a wonderful fragrance.
Not surprisingly, part of the country's "corporate" style is Bulgarian Rose cosmetics, which are sold on every corner.
National Cuisine
Tarator
The signature dish of Bulgarian national cuisine is tarator — a cold soup similar to okroshka. It is especially popular in summer, when it is traditionally served alongside the main course.
Besides its base of sour milk, tarator includes walnuts and cucumbers, seasoned with dill, garlic, chopped lettuce leaves, and olive oil. Sometimes, pieces of ice are added to the soup for extra refreshment.
Rakia — Bulgaria’s Alcoholic Calling Card
Bulgarian brandy, or rakia, is a strong spirit traditionally prepared in late autumn from pear, apple, apricot, plum, or grape mash. Sometimes fruits are blended together and flavored with anise, nuts, caramel, or honey.
Rakia is enjoyedboth coldand hot. It is an essential part of all winter feasts and is poured generously during New Year celebrations. The drink is often accompanied by banitsa — a pastry with fortune-telling slips inside.
For those who may not fancy rakia, it is worth trying mastika — an anise-flavored vodka diluted with kefir and a pinch of salt. This unusual-tasting beverage has fans all over the world.
Ancient Cultural Treasures of Bulgaria
The Tomb of Orpheus and the ancient Thracian metropolis of Perperikon
According to legend, it is on the territory of the rocky city of Perperikon that the tomb of the singer Orpheus is located. The Festival of the Arts is held here every year.
Rozhensky Monastery — a stone witness to the Middle Ages
The largest monastery in Bulgaria, the Rozhen Monastery on the territory of the Pirin Mountains, has been preserved in almost pristine condition since its construction. It is believed that the first stone in the foundation of this temple complex was laid as early asin 890.
The monastery from above looks like an irregular hexagon framed by vineyards. Painting lovers will be delighted by the unique iconostasis of the main church of the Rozhensky Monastery.
Nesebar is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site
Bulgaria is not only a modern tourist center, but also an ancient metropolis of Europe. This is exactly what Nessebar is — a seaside resort town, which is divided into New and Old parts. It will appeal to families with children, romantics and fans of classic seaside vacations.
Besides Nessebar, Bulgaria has dozens of other cultural monuments on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The country ranks third in the world in terms of their number, behind only Greece and Italy.
Unique natural monuments
Rila Lakes — for lovers of fantasy landscapes
It's easy to imagine yourself as the hero of a fantasy novel in Bulgaria. One place that allows you to do this in a matter of moments is the Rila Lakes. This water complex of seven natural lakes is located at an altitude of over two thousand meters above sea level. The water in them is surprisingly clear and practically ice-cold.
The largest botanical garden in the Balkans
The Balchik Botanical Garden is rightly considered the largest botanical garden located in the Balkan Mountains. It was founded in the 19th century by the Romanian Queen Maria as a park surrounding her summer residence (the "Quiet Nest" palace, still open to visitors).
Melnik is the smallest town in Bulgaria
One of the tourist centers of the country is the town of Melnik. It has a population of 390 people. At the same time, there are several ancient fortresses from the Middle Ages and a permanent artisan installation.
In Melnik you can not only get acquainted with the ancient crafts and manufactories of Bulgaria, but also try to make metal souvenirs yourself, treat yourself to the specialties of the national cuisine, taste wines at local wineries. All this is available to tourists strolling along Melnik's main street.
