Nestinarstvo: The Ritual of Firewalking

Another old pagan practice dating back to the Thracians is Nestinarstvo. The practice is supposed to have started with tribes living around the White Sea. Fire dance is one of Bulgaria's oldest folk traditions, and it is still practiced in several Greek and Bulgarian communities today. Every year, on May 21st, the annual ritual cycle begins and lasts for three days. The rite is performed in various mountain communities in the Strandzha area of Bulgaria, with Bulgaria being the most popular.

The ceremony is usually conducted by professionally trained nestinari (firewalkers) who perform a fascinating dance while walking on flames in a realistic atmosphere. The dance features meticulously organized motions, as well as original music, chants, and sounds. The event takes place after dusk when the village center is engulfed in flaming embers. Due to its intriguing nature, the event has long attracted international attention. The ceremony has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site for non-material culture since 2009.

When: in June

Where: Bulgari village