At Minister Angelkova’s initiative, representatives of diplomatic missions in Bulgaria visited the Strandzha region

Representatives of twelve diplomatic missions in Bulgaria, who were accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Irena Georgieva, viewed landmarks in the Strandzha mountain, the Sredets municipality area. The visit was arranged by the Ministry of Tourism and Sredets Municipality, at Minister Angelkova’s initiative. The purpose is for the diplomats to get first-hand impression of the region’s unique heritage and contribute to its broader promotion.

The visit was joined by the ambassadors of Palestine, Venezuela, South Africa, Kosovo, Albania, and Pakistan, the First Ladies from Denmark, Austria, Czech Republic and Kosovo, the husband of South Africa’s ambassador in Bulgaria, the first secretary of Venezuela’s embassy, representatives of Belgium’s and Brazil’s missions.

During the tour of Strandzha mountain, diplomats looked at the open-air ethnographic museum in the Bozhura locality and took part in the Medjia custom unique to Strandzha. Traditional crafts for the region, such as pottery, basket weaving, wood carving, hook-knitting, etc. were also demonstrated.

Diplomats got first-hand impression from the magic of the 2 500-year old ancient Thracian shrine at Markov Kamak and also witnessed  the re-enacted folklore performance of the Annual Cycle rites and customs in the region – „Enyova Bulya“, „Gherman“, „Carol-Singers“. During their visit they also saw the Sredets Youth Hal and the Deultum-Debelt National Archaeological Reserve.

Sredets Municipality’s mayor, Ivan Zhabov, hosted the diplomats.

You can see photos from the event here.