Colors of Varna - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Varna residents cannot be reproached for inhospitality or ill-will. If tourists need any assistance, they will necessarily help with all their good nature. Naturally, the locals expect the same attitude towards themselves - courtesy and politeness. When inviting someone to dinner, they always try to create a nice family atmosphere so that the guest can feel comfortable. The family can safely be called the most important value in the life of local residents. Parents pamper their kids almost every day and on every occasion. And everyone wants the child to realize his/her full potential because this is another value in the life of Bulgarians.

It's better to take into account some features when communicating with the locals. Everybody knows that the nod means denial while shaking the head from side to side is a gesture of consent here. But you will quickly get used for this, and after coming home you'll even find it confusing about why people agree with each other by the node. The natives are known for their superstition. Thus, they never allow a black cat (bad luck) to cross their path, and on Tuesday it is not customary to schedule any important matters. No Varna resident would ever let you light three cigarettes from one match - otherwise, misfortune is inevitable.

Local people are very fond of lavish feasts, "dancing till dropping", and noisy parties. Expressing emotions straightforwardly, they always say what they think. And that's what amazes tourists from the very first sight. They always try to keep their word, however, it must be said, this does not always work for them. The thing is that sometimes it's not easy for them to soberly assess their capabilities, although they try their best. Another feature of the locals is the high probability of being late for an important meeting. But that is not something you should take offense at since this is a long-established trait. In all other respects, it's a pleasure to share a foxhole with them. Local cuisine is rich in seafood and fish due to its proximity to the Black Sea. Rakia (strong Bulgarian fruit brandy) is another specialty worth trying. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In Varna, people have fun like nowhere else in the world. And you should definitely check it out. One of the most popular festivals in the resort capital of Bulgaria is the Varna Summer lasting 3 months between the end of June to the end of August at the Summer Theater, the Congress Center, the City Art Gallery and the Opera House. The event is devoted to classical music and its program includes choral, operatic performances, performing chamber and symphonic music. The festival is very multifaceted, which is evidenced by tourists coming here to this time, wishing to visit the event and then plunge into the Black Sea water.

Another interesting Varna festival is dedicated to folk art. We are talking about the International Folklore Festival. People from different corners of the globe show their rich national traditions here, so you can look at the diversity of national traditions of other countries. Most teams and performers who demonstrate their skills are from Eastern Europe, but people from Asia, Africa, North and Latin Americas participate as well. Besides the music show, visitors have the unique chance to watch films about the traditions of certain countries and buy some products at the fair. The time is July-September, and the Summer Theater is chosen as the venue.

Three weeks in August are devoted to Bulgarica Fair where you can buy all sorts of folk products, handicrafts, and works of art. This is one of the largest festivals in the whole region, and therefore it is not surprising that all fans of this kind of events are looking forward to it with great anticipation. The traditional venue is the Seaside Garden. In addition to the fair itself, the audience can enjoy workshops where artisans show how to do this or that product properly, as well as music that sounds everywhere, while artisans themselves wear national costumes, which gives the festival more color.

On the night between June 30th and July 1st, there is an event known as July Morning, which is often simply called "July". The festival dates back to the days when "Make love not war" was a call to action. Today it is one of the biggest events of this kind not only in Bulgaria but all over the world. On this fabulous night, hundreds of young people visit the village of Kamen Bryag for the sake of having fun and greeting the sunrise together. All the fun is in kindling fires, listening to music, singing songs, and, of course, meeting new friends. The atmosphere of the festival is very warm, just like the hippie slogan and a nature of the local residents.

No less remarkable is Summer Salsa Festival, which is very appreciated among fans of dance performances. It is held in the open air in the middle of August in front of the Seaside Park so that no one could complain that one have to sweat in a stuffy hall while there is an option to go out and feel the light touch of the wind. Attending the festival as participants is a great honor for eminent and talented dancers. In addition to the dance program, all comers can participate in master classes held on the beaches in the form of after parties.

Between the end of September and the beginning of October, the resort capital of Bulgaria is turning into a venue for The Golden Rose Bulgarian Feature Film Festival. This film event is an important milestone in the festival year of Varna. During this period, the city is visited by famous Bulgarian directors and actors who present their documentary and feature films. Besides that, art exhibitions, music concerts, performances are organized as well. Visiting the festival is a great chance to get acquainted with the local culture.

Another festival dedicated to the cinema is scheduled for mid-September. Its specialization is animation. The primary venues are the Festival and Congress Centers of Varna where you can watch the newest Bulgarian animated movies. The event attracts many animation enthusiasts and is considered one of the best events of its kind worldwide, not only in Bulgaria, despite the fact that it is of national nature. Another interesting festival is dedicated to theatrical art and takes place in various city theaters in early June. A special interesting program is prepared for it, and the audience just cannot be dissatisfied - everyone here gets a portion of a positive mood.