Zheravna Festival of the National Costume

Folk costumes were worn in various villages and areas across the country for millennia until the turn of the twentieth century. They are a vital aspect of Bulgarian culture and were traditionally used to express an ethnic group's identity as well as their social position. Local materials such as wool, cotton, and linen were used to make the garments. They included some highly distinctive and elaborate patterns (known as Shevitsi), as well as gorgeous embroidery and hand-sewn embellishments.

The National Costume Festival is known as a famous festival and the country's largest event of its kind, honoring the originality and diversity of traditional Bulgarian costumes. Every year, a significant crowd attends the festival, which is hosted in the Zheravna architectural reserve. What makes this event unique is that all attendees must dress in traditional attire and are not permitted to bring any modern objects with them.

The Zheravna architectural reserve is one of the best-preserved settlements from the National Revival era in the country, adding to the uniqueness of the experience. Folk music, dances, dining, and socializing are all featured at the festival.

When: in August

Where: Zheravna