Story thread · 2 reports / 1 sources

President Iotova Addresses National Bagpipe Competition in Gela

bta.bg · 10dShare

Speaking at the opening of the 23rd National Bagpipe Competition and Family Gathering in Gela, in the country's southern Smolyan Region, on Saturday, President Iliana Iotova said that the Rhodopes are Bulgaria's enchanted mountain range. "Everything here speaks of tradition, Bulgarian identity, spirit, and history. The Ilinden Meadows have become an altar of the Bulgarian spirit," she noted. Attending the event are Deputy Minister of Culture Zornitza Grekova, Smolyan Regional Governor Georgi Pepelanov, and Smolyan Deputy Mayor Mariana Tsekova. The traditional gathering in Gela celebrates one of the defining symbols of Rhodope music - the kaba bagpipe. Once again, the Ilinden Meadows above the village have become a stage for Bulgarian folklore. Bagpipers from across Bulgaria and abroad are taking part in the competition. Thousands of visitors from around the country, as well as Bulgarians living abroad, have travelled to the Rhodope village for the festival, which runs through August 2.

First report: National Bagpipe Competition Starts in Gela July 31 — bta.bg, 12d