For a sixth consecutive year Shishkovtsi, Western Bulgaria, the home village of great Bulgarian artist Vladimir Dimitrov - Maistora, is hosting until 24 Sept. the traditional Balkanska Cherga (Balkan Rug) international festival. The event's symbol is the cherga (the traditional rug) because it aims to present in a colorful way the traditions of various peoples and communities in the Balkans. The exhibition arranged for the festival shows clearly that there is a lot in common in traditional art across the Balkans. Obviously, Bulgarians, Serbs, Greeks and Macedonians all share a common spirit. Over time the cherga, a symbol of the Balkans, has often been torn to pieces, but has stubbornly kept its identity. More about the festival, from organizer Borislav Kroumov:

„We want to be together. This is seen in folk music played during the festival. The music is similar, only lyrics differ a little bit. This forum makes clear that the Balkan region is in need of unity that will make it stronger.”

There are various competitions taking place at the festival. One of them is culinary - for traditional cheesecake and bakery products, and of course for grilled meat.

„There is also a wrestling tournament. The prize is a goatling. This year the contenders are divided into amateur and professional groups. A new race is the one for firewood cutting, because the region is richly wooded and wood processing is traditional here”, Borislav Kroumov tells us.  

Balkanska Cherga has welcomed about 2000 participants from Bulgaria, Serbia and Macedonia. There is a lot of dancing and singing of traditional music. Visitors have been invited to try and make pottery or weave baskets. They also go to visit the museum house of great painter Vladimir Dimitrov - Maistora. One of the most colorful competitions is the one for homemade rakiya brandy. Guests from Serbia and Macedonia are particularly keen on it. Last year a participant from Macedonia won the race with his quince brandy with added honey. Its taste is unique, anybody who has tried it claims.

The Balkanska Cherga international festival comes across with the message that we should forget the enmities of the past, be together and enjoy our common home.

English Daniela Konstantinova