The Thracians lived in what is now known as Bulgaria from about 3500 B.C. They were incorporated into the Roman Empire by the first century A.D. At the decline of the empire, the Goths, Huns, Bulgars, and Avars invaded. The Bulgars, who crossed the Danube from the north in 679, took control of the region. Although the country bears the name of the Bulgars (also Bolgars or proto-Bulgarians) the Bulgar language and culture died out, replaced by a Slavic language, writing, and religion. A country in the middle of the ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse Balkan Peninsula, Bulgaria has seen many twists and turns in its long history and has been a prospering empire, stretching to the coastlines of the Black, Aegean and Adriatic Seas.

The Bulgarian tourist board calls it as Europe’s oldest civilization. The first Bulgarian Kingdom was founded by Khan Asparouh in 681. It was situated in what is now north-east Bulgaria, and was inhabited by Slavs from the Byzantium Empire, and Bulgarians who came from an ancient Bulgarian state situated on the Volga River. In 864 Kniaz Boris I (852-889) converted his court to Christianity and made the Christian religion official in the whole of his kingdom. In 886 he invited disciples of St Cyril and St Methodius including St Kliment to settle in Ohrid, which was at that time the second city in Bulgaria. St Kliment devised an alphabet for writing Bulgarian which he named Cyrillic after St Cyril. The creation of the Slavonic alphabet and the establishment of Christianity (East Orthodox) as a state religion contributed to the development of the Bulgarian nationality and created conditions for the flourishing of Bulgarian literature and culture. The country’s contribution to humanity also continues in the nineteenth and twentieth century. It is not by chance that Bulgaria has nine designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

It’s now been a democratic country for more than 15 years and is generally accepted as having an excellent freedom of speech and human rights record. With the help of the international community, a number of reforms were initiated that helped stabilize the country’s economy and put Bulgaria on the Euro-Atlantic path. Bulgaria became a member of NATO in 2004 and of the European Union in 2007

Bulgaria is a beautiful mountainous country, small in size but rich in ancient culture, scenic splendor, friendly people and old-fashioned warmth and hospitality. The country is nestled at the heart of Central Europe. Bulgaria is a land of unspoiled natural beauty, a country of great contrasts and surprises. Bulgaria is well known for its world famous Rose Valley nested in the centre of the country. The Rose Oil produced there still comprise more than a half of the world production and it is with the highest quality. Bulgaria also has very rich folklore, distinctive traditional music, rituals and tales. Many famous artists have been enthralled with the mystery of the Bulgarian voices, traditional music and dances, folklore elements and religious iconography.

One can be sure that it’s a great place to sightsee and relax, from its sunny Black Sea resorts to its charming old towns and cities, pastoral valleys and stunning mountain-enclosed monasteries. Iit has endless, sandy beaches along the Black Sea, wild mountain ranges and lush green hills, fertile plains, magnificent gorges, rivers, health spas and natural springs. It is famous for long balmy summers, dreamy scented rose fields, richly colored orchards and sun drenched vineyards. We are happy to present some of them at Carabram Festival. Bulgarian Cuisine has grown out of wealth of culinary traditions, both local and foreign, combined in a way, which is uniquely Bulgarian; some of the most delicious meals you will ever taste.

Join us in this year edition of Carabram Festival and discover Bulgaria!