We all know that culture and cultural heritage is what makes us unique as people and makes the difference between visiting France, Indonesia, Kenya, Japan or Bulgaria. Here are a few highlights of Bulgarian culture that makes it quite similar to the ones you can encounter in Oriental countries like Turkey, Lebanon, Spain, Portugal and Italy and even far-east cultures like India.
Spontaneity
If there is something that distinctly stands out in both Bulgarian and Indian cultures this is the ability of most people to be naturally open and vibrant in their reactions. Both are last-minute cultures so it is not unusual to see entire companies waiting for a few of their friends for 20-30 minutes past a certain hour.
Adventurism
Adventure is in the blood of many in both Bulgaria and India even though in the latter adventures are not always of the pleasant type and may be more dangerous. Both peoples are emotional and explicitly express their feelings which can also be seen in the artwork you can find in the streets and alleys of both countries.
Rules apply tentatively
As with everything this has its good sides and bad sides as usually chaos is born out of that small simple fact. Yes, you can find some derelict roads and buildings around Bulgaria and you can be pickpocketed here and there in “tourist trap” type of locations, but definitely less so in Bulgaria than India or any other Eastern European country. The good side of it is that sometimes Bulgarians tend to scrap obviously stupid rules and make them naturally redundant.
Hospitality
Treating foreign travellers well is a tradition in Bulgaria as well as India and you can find both genuine hospitality and poses just for the tip. Obviously you can get more of the ‘gimme a tip’ attitude in the more touristy places, but Bulgaria is full of places where mass tourists don’t set foot very often, where you can experience the genuine Bulgarian hospitality ove rakia, with freshly picked tomatoes and home made cheese (yep, still got em). Same in India but multiplied by millions of people.
Unique rituals
Odd but intriguing and pretty ancient rituals are what defines both Bulgarian and indian cultures. Martenitsas – the queer red and white threads tied on the wrist or neck in Bulgaria correspond ideally to the so called Rakhi in India – coloured threads similarly tied on the hands as an omen for health and prosperity. Whether it be the Rose Festival in Kazanlak or one of the colourful festivities at the Indian holiday of Holi, colour takes an important place in both cultures’ rituals and guarantee an emotion rich experience onsite.
Music vibe
What is a colourful festival without vibrant music? Both Indian and Bulgarian music are quite specific and lively. The traditional horo dance played hand in hand in a long chain in colourful traditional robes somewhat corresponds with the lively and well choreographed Indian dances. In any case the Balkan vibe that the Bulgarian music conveys won’t leave you indifferent.
Follow the rhythm of your heart into the Bulgarian wild and immerse yourself in this unique part of South-East Europe.
Let us share
Off the Beaten Track at The Bulgarian Seaside
Ahhhh, summer… Sun shining high in the sky,...