Language:

No booking fees!
FREE cancellation in most cases!

Live webcams in Bulgaria

Bulgaria-Hotels.Com

Sliven

News

"Masquerade Games" Expel Evil Spirits

Hotels in Sliven

Opera performances in Bulgaria

During your stay in Sofia you can experience an unforgettable evening in the National Opera Theatre. In the elegant hall of the Opera House you will dip in the magic of sound and fascinating stage effects, while enjoying the sophisticated performances of Bulgarian artists. The National Opera Theatre offers a rich repertory of both world opera classics and famous works by Bulgarian composers. The repertory of the Ballet troupe at the National Opera Theatre includes titles from the world classics as well as modern ballet performances. On the website of the National Opera Theatre you will find the programme of the opera and ballet performances along with curious facts about the history of the Opera House, photos and news: http://www.geobiz.com/sfopera/index_en.html

Development of Bulgaria's opera and ballet art

It was after the liberation of Ottoman rule that the classical opera and ballet art was established in Bulgaria. The Opera theatre was founded in 1890, at a time when Bulgaria lived through political and economic instability, but managed to survive and, moreover, to cultivate in the Bulgarian people a fine taste for opera music. Bulgarian opera composers and singers carefully studied the traditions of the Western European and the Russian Opera Theatre and developed the unique style of the Bulgarian opera music and ballet. Thanks to the zealous efforts and the boundless creative spirit of Bulgarian musicians, the National Opera Theatre gradually gained international prestige. Today Bulgarian performers participate in guest tours worldwide and foreign world-famous artists hold performances in the hall of the Opera House. The hard economic situation in Bulgaria has influenced all spheres of culture, including the opera art. In spite of the economic difficulties the National Opera Theatre continues its activities relying on sponsorship and trying to attract young audience. The Easter Festival and the performances for the Christmas holidays with participation of Bulgarian and foreign musicians are the most exciting and the most visited musical events in the Opera Theatre.

Opera performances in Plovdiv, Varna and Bourgas

Besides the performances in the National Opera Theatre in Sofia, you can enjoy an exciting opera evening in other cities in Bulgaria. If have a free evening during your stay in Plovdiv, you can visit the Plovdiv Opera House and the Plovdiv Philharmony. The Varna Days of music and the International Ballet competition take place on the stage of the Open Air Theatre in Varna. The Opera Houses in city of Bourgas and in the towns of Rousse and Stara Zagora also stage amazing opera performances.

"Masquerade Games" Expel Evil Spirits

Sofia News Agency, 04.03.2006

On the eve of the first Sunday before Lent, men carrying traditional multi-coloured masks with beads, ribbons and woolen tassels, danced in the village of Kamen, near the town of Sliven, to expel evil spirits and herald the advent of spring. The so-called Kukeri were part of the traveling festival "Masquerade Games 2006". "Kukeri" is a important masked ritual, carried forward from the Thracians. The participants in this ritual are male only, dressed in sheepskin garments and wearing scary masks and chanove (copper bells) on their belts, dancing and singing with the intention to scare away the evil spirits or ghosts which people believed came back to the living ones in winter. The Kukeri clothing is specially prepared for the feast. That is why every year it is different and more beautiful. The Kukeri hoods and masks are magnificent, ornate and variegated works of applied art. This custom mixes theatre, lyric, music, dance and art. It began centuries ago and is connected with the farm and the family. The ritual is a mixture between Christian and pagan traditions and symbols.

see source

Related travel news - News from Sliven

Sliven town restores the antique fortress in ‘Sinite Kamani

6 M BGN will be invested in the restoration of the antique fortress Tuida in the locality Hisarlyka in Sliven town. It is expected that the fortress will turn into an attractive tourist landmark.

Golf: Kanev Ready to Lead Way for Bulgaria

Edinburgh golfer is hoping to tee up in the world team championship in Argentina later this year – but not for Scotland. Michael Kanev, a 20-year-old member of Carrickvale and Royal Musselburgh, has his sights set on representing Bulgaria in the event for the second time.