We're going to Bulgaria! Read on to "travel" with us.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Tsigov Chark/Boyana Ensemble


Jen again... Here is the view from our hotel window in Tsigov Chark. This is Lake Batak. It's thunderstorming here, with lightning and everything! After checking in to the hotel, we drove a few miles down the road to Kostandovo. 

We were greeted in Kostandovo by Boyana ensemble by with geranium leaves (for good health) and bread with chubritza.

 The 30 of them were dressed in full costume (men and women), which were different from the costumes I've seen in other regions. Boyana Ensemble's name comes from the story of a girl, Boyana, who chose to throw herself on the rocks in the town square and die a Christian rather than converting to Islam when the Turks came. 
They sang a mix of Pomashki, Rhodope and Macedonian songs, with tambura, accordion, and tupan, in a concert just for us. 

Baby Eleanor was gifted an embroidered linen called pishkir. You can see the men wearing it in the photo above. Traditionally, it was used in the kitchen, but now is worn on costumes or given as gifts, especially at a wedding. 

Today, we're off to Bansko for a workshop with Banski Starcheta. 









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