Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Ribnovo chooses the most beautiful "gelina" bride

Photo: blagoevgrad.egov.bg

On the eve of the New Year, the most beautiful "gelina" bride of the last 4 years is chosen in the Bulgarian-Mohammedan village of Ribnovo, in south-west Bulgaria. 

"Gelina" is the name given to brides in the region. It is a unique tradition, where the brides are specially dressed and their faces are painted and decorated for the wedding. 
The "Mrs Gelina 2024" contest is being held for the first time and the winners will be announced tonight, reports BNT. 

"Our parents always told us, 'When you grow up, you will be a Gelina', and that was always our dream. We don't dream of wedding dresses, we dream of being gelinas," said Kadrie Kiselova of the Creative Community Foundation, the organiser of the competition. 

It is the wish of the people of Ribnovo that this wedding custom, which is already part of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage, will become world famous, that more people will know about it.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

43% of Bulgarians are optimistic about 2025 on a personal level

Bulgarians' assessments of the past year in personal terms differ sharply from their views on the situation in the country and the world , according to a nationally representative survey conducted by polling agency Alpha Research between December 1 and..

published on 12/26/24 4:47 PM

Sofia scupltures adorned with gifts on Christmas

For the fifth consecutive year, the Sketches of Sofia initiative have delighted Sofia's residents with gifts placed at the city's statues . Every year, photographer Ivan Shishiev and his wife buy books for Sofia residents, wrap them up and place them at..

published on 12/25/24 5:05 PM

Bulgarian Christmas Campaign raises funds for high-tech equipment for the treatment of children

The 22nd edition of the "Bulgarian Christmas" charity performance will take place tonight at the Ivan Vazov National Theatre. The initiative is held under the auspices of Bulgaria’s Head of State. The theme of the campaign is "Giving Hope to a Child in..

published on 12/25/24 5:10 AM