The festival "With Kichka Savova’s Songs" is one of the most remarkable folklore events in Bulgaria. It is held in the village of Sladun, located in the southeastern part of the country, very close to the border with the Republic of Turkey. Its eleventh edition once again brings together hundreds of singers, instrumentalists and dancers, groups for authentic folklore, amateur ensembles representing ancient folk customs, etc. Created by famous Bulgarian singer Kichka Savova, who passed away a few years ago, the festival (April 30 - May 1) successfully continues her work.

“Organizer of the festival is Izgrev-1928 community center in the village of Sladun, as the team includes chair of the community center, Ivanka Kostadinova and secretary Nadka Shtegrova. Mayor of Svilengrad municipality Mr. Anastas Karchev has exceptional contribution to the event, as well as Stefan Georgiev - the mayor of the village of Sladun, who, together with my mother, is one the founders of the festival. I am very grateful to all these people,” Stefka Zdravkova, chair of the Kichka Savova Foundation and daughter of the famous singer says. “The festival has been held for 11 years now; it has been upgraded and become international. The foundation, established in honor of my mother, will give the festival’s grand prize to seven nominated children. It is a master class led by famous folk singer Darina Slavcheva. Together with the children she will prepare songs from the repertoire of Kichka Savova, which they will perform at a gala concert accompanied by famous instrumentalists. They will also receive wide media appearance."

"It is very important for me that this festival continues to develop," Ms. Zdravkova says. “This way the memory of my mother remains alive. About 1,500 people gather every year to perform songs my mother sang. I have no words to express my joy at what I see, although I am not professionally connected with folklore. My relationship to art is through my dear mother who left a rich creative legacy. She also gave her children and grandchildren the important task to continue her work aimed at helping young talents in the sphere of folklore. Every year more and more people from all over Bulgaria, and now even from Greece and Turkey, gather in this remote village.”

• With Kichka Savova’s songs - a real celebration of Bulgarian folklore

The Bulgarian National Radio is the main media partner of the festival. "Zagore" Ensemble from the city of Stara Zagora will be guests to the grand opening of the festival.

English: Alexander Markov