The Bulgarian village of Chelopech is known with the fact that the biggest gold mine in this country is situated there. When one enters the village the first thing they see is the mine that is impressive with its modern looks. It provides prosperity in the lives of the local people. A Canadian company has been exploiting the mine for the past 10 years and good relations between business and the local administration have had a visible effect on the way the village looks.

Chelopech has evolved as a leader in the sub-Balkan region and the infrastructure in the village and opportunities for sports, tourism and entertainment are at a very high level. Chelopech is only an hour and a half drive away from the capital city and is a good example of how to keep talented and hard-working people in their native village. Besides ease of finding a job, Chelopech offers many opportunities for leisure. The municipality and the community center organize a number of events. The masquerade mummer games are emblematic for Chelopech. There are two mummer clubs that constantly rejuvenate. The dancers make their ​​masks themselves and participate in a number of festivals throughout the country. Family meetings, festivals and holidays - this is the attractive force that brings people together in Chelopech. The newest facility in the village is the amphitheater stage, constructed of solid wood and wrought iron in the nearby area of Korminesh. The place is a vast meadow, surrounded by pine forest at the foot of the mountain. It has always been used by local people to hold gatherings. The amphitheater structure was opened in the spring and became the stage of the first folk festival in Chelopech with international participation. Tatiana Tsonkova coordinator and organizer of cultural events at the local administration told us more about life in Chelopech.  

"In recent years we have been trying to change the image of the village which has always been linked to mining. That is why we built the amphitheater in the area of Korminesh. It will be a place for artistic expression and cultural gatherings of a larger scale. There is also a renovated hut near the Morgana Summit. At sunrise, the first sun rays fall just below the cabin. That is how the name Chelopech emerged. It literally means "sun shining on one’s forehead." One can easily walk up to this beautiful place with a backpack. A number of families with children prefer to come for two or three days here and they reach the hut by car. In the village we have a large and modern sports center available for those wishing to exercise for a small fee. We created it three years ago using European funds. There are facilities for volleyball, basketball and two gyms. There are separate rooms for table tennis, karate, dancing. There is also a health center.”

 
"It's very difficult to organize such a festival. We set the budget framework first and it became clear that we can afford to invite three or four bands. We contacted choreographers and experienced people and established a committee that worked hard in order to make this festival a reality. Nothing could have been done without the support of the municipality. The local folk bands in Chelopech also had active participation in the festival. These are the “Bulgarche” children’s band and the mummers of "Golden Fleece." As hosts we tried to present our traditions in the best possible way and also enjoy the foreign folk art and craftsmanship.”

English: Alexander Markov