Anita Ekenova, from Lyon, received the “Bulgarian Woman of the Year – St. Zlata of Meglen” award for 2024 at a ceremony organised by the Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad (EABA) in Sofia.

Ten years ago, Anita and her folk group Ot Izvora launched the first Na Megdana na Drugata Bulgaria (In the Village Square of the Other Bulgaria) festival in Lyon. The event featured a traditional horo chain dance performed by Bulgarians from different countries.

Today, this annual festival attracts Bulgarian folk ensembles from around the world and takes place in central squares (megdani) across Europe. In 2025, the festival celebrated its 10th anniversary in Lyon, France, and preparations are already underway for the next edition. The initiative’s remarkable popularity earned Anita the EABA award. She was also chosen as the winner of the “Favourite Bulgarian Woman” category by the large community of megdantsi—as she affectionately calls everyone who has joined the Na Megdana dances around the globe.

“These awards shine a spotlight on all Bulgarians abroad who come together not only in the horo, but also in our shared efforts to preserve our roots and pass on our love for the homeland to our children,” Anita Ekenova told Radio Bulgaria.

“For me, these awards are a great recognition of my work and a sign of gratitude from my colleagues. No Bulgarian woman achieves anything alone — we are fortunate to have teams of people who support and believe in us, who give us motivation and wings,” she said. Anita added that she owes both awards to the people she works with: her folk group Ot Izvora, the members of the travelling Na Megdana na Drugata Bulgaria festival, as well as her friends and fellow members of the Association of Bulgarian Folk Ensembles Abroad.

Born in Haskovo, Ms. Ekenova says she has loved folk dancing since childhood and was a member of the local children’s ensemble Yuzhnyache. After studying in Veliko Tarnovo and later moving to Paris, dancing briefly took a back seat — but not for long.

“When I arrived in Lyon as a young mother, I realised I was missing something, and that was Bulgarian folklore. Amid a sea of French faces, I needed a way to feel Bulgarian, and folklore gave me both identity and confidence. It inspired me to work for Bulgaria and to help keep the Bulgarian spirit alive abroad, even while living in a country where I feel fully integrated.

I can say that I have two homelands. One is the homeland of my soul and heart: the place where my parents are, where I grew up, and where my roots lie — Bulgaria, of which I am very proud. The other is France, the country that welcomed me and became my second home, where I have now lived for more than 20 years,” says Anita Ekenova with passion.

The Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad has organised the prestigious “Bulgarian Woman of the Year – St. Zlata of Meglen” award ceremony for the 13th time, and the Agency’s head Rayna Mandzukova recalled its beginnings in 2009.

Each of this year's twenty nominees for the “Bulgarian Woman of the Year – St. Zlata of Meglen” award is already a winner, as being nominated signifies that they are valued by the Bulgarian community, regardless of whether they make the shortlist. The dedication of these women to preserving and promoting the Bulgarian language, culture, history, and traditions far from their homeland has not gone unnoticed. Nor has the fact that they devote their energy, time, and professionalism to this cause wherever they are.

Many of the nominees shared this sentiment, with most traveling from America and Europe to attend the ceremony in Sofia. Among them was Nina Wasilewa-Zanechev, who has lived in Austria for 29 years and has been nominated five times.