A concert of Bulgarian folk bands and soloists is part of the accompanying program of the Festival de las Naciones in Seville, Spain. For a more than two months (25.09-01.11) the festival presents world music, folklore, jazz, traditional dances, as well as the culinary traditions of different nations from around the world. The Bulgarian concert is on October 17 and presents Bulgarian folklore performed by Bulgarians living in Spain. "We had a very short time to prepare for this event, as the festival team found a place in the program for us about two weeks ago. All this would have been impossible without the huge assistance and financial support from the Bulgarian Embassy in Spain and our consulate in Seville," Mariela Dimitrova, head of the Bulgarian-Spanish Cultural Association (Asociación Cultural Búlgara-Española en Sevilla), established in April 2021, says. Mariela is originally from the town of Oryahovo, but she has been living in Spain for 14 years. She works in the municipality of Seville, where she is involved in some of the cultural activities. The Bulgarian-Spanish Cultural Association is the first organization of this kind in Seville. 15 people gathered in the beginning but now their number is much bigger.

"We created our association in order to study and present everything related to the two cultures," Mariela says. “Members of the association are Bulgarians and Spanish who share their knowledge in the spheres of folklore, traditions, gastronomy. The idea is to build a natural bridge between Spain and Bulgaria through cooperation in various fields. We are very happy that there will be a Bulgarian evening at the festival in Seville. Thanks to the beauty of the Bulgarian folk costume we will add even more color to the traditional festival, which is held for the 27th time. Although far away from home, we want to share our festivities, to be together and dance with the rhythm leading us in a circle together with the sun. This is an opportunity for our compatriots to enjoy our folk art outside Bulgaria. For this day we unite with several associations, folklore formations, and Bulgarian schools. During that evening we will also announce upcoming festivals, projects and initiatives."

Amateur folk singer from the region of Dobrudzha, Radka Gancheva, who has been living in Madrid for many years is among the participants. Radka takes part in all Bulgarian celebrations organized in the Spanish capital. A few years ago she created the BG Folk Ritmos band in Madrid, which will also perform in Seville. "Wherever we are, we must be ambassadors of Bulgarian folklore," Radka says and adds:

"I am extremely happy to have the opportunity to promote our traditions and customs here in Spain. I love all folk songs, but songs from Dobrudzha are my favourite. There will be Bulgarian folklore bands from Malaga, as well as bands from Almeria, Segovia, and others. I am very excited and I am looking forward to the concert on Sunday in order to present the Bulgarian folklore heritage on the stage in Andalusia."

Author: Albena Bezovska

English: Alexander Markov