Bulgarian Big Horo in Brussels – a celebration of togetherness and joy

For the 37th time, Brussels hosted the “Big Winter Horo,” bringing together Bulgarians from near and far. This year, 315 adults and 42 children took part. Some travelled especially for the event from neighbouring European countries — 15 from Paris, 10 from Eindhoven (Netherlands), and 10 from Aachen (Germany). Participants danced horo chain dances from various Bulgarian folklore regions for around three hours, learning new steps along the way.

Once again, the “Big Horo” in Brussels proved to be a true celebration of Bulgarian spirit and tradition.

“I have lived in Belgium for many years and I miss Bulgaria,” says Lina, one of the participants. “I cannot describe the emotion I feel when I am dancing in the horo. Only people who live abroad can understand this connection. When I am in Bulgaria, it’s not the same. Being abroad makes you feel the Bulgarian culture that we all share here and the Bulgaria that we miss. Words cannot describe it.”

“I wanted to learn some Bulgarian horo dances because I couldn’t dance them at all,” says one of the participants. “It’s a great way to socialise with the Bulgarian community. The atmosphere is so pleasant, and the people we dance and socialise with are amazing. Most importantly, it connects us to our Bulgarian roots.”

“I really enjoy seeing how different regions of Bulgaria have their own unique dances,” says a young Bulgarian. ‘For example, dances from the Ruse region take up more space because the village squares were larger. In contrast, the squares in Pirin were smaller, so the steps are more compact. This is a cultural treasure that we must preserve. I am glad to see many young people taking part. It is important to keep Bulgarian traditions alive.”

The 'Big Horo' initiative brings a large Bulgarian community together, leaving participants with a strong sense of unity, movement, freedom and joy, according to the organisers. The event is organised by the folk dance club Na Horoto in Brussels, led by Maria Tsvetkova.

“The Big Horo is one of the most important celebrations for the Bulgarian community in Belgium and beyond,” says Tsvetkova. “Many foreigners, mostly Belgians, also join the festivities.”

“In recent years, I have spent time talking with participants. I ask them: ‘Why did you come? What interests you? What did you enjoy? What didn’t you like?’ I also ask myself whether I would attend such an event if it were for another nationality — perhaps once, out of curiosity.

At our events, however, I recognise many familiar faces, some of whom I know personally. Many live in Brussels and later join the group to learn the horo. They say: ‘This is wonderful! It’s so joyful, even without understanding the lyrics.’ They attend our dance classes and eventually learn to dance the horo just like Bulgarians. They tell me it brings them pure happiness. Interestingly, there is a great appreciation for Bulgarian folklore in Belgium and the Netherlands. Many Flemish people come, and then bring their friends. There is a real sense of joy,” she adds.

Special guests at this year's Brussels event were the renowned Men’s Folklore Group “Banski Starcheta”, (Old Men from Bansko) who are famous for creating a lively atmosphere with their unique Bansko-style singing.

“We were pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome and hospitality,' said the group's leader, Atanas Yanchovichin. 'The name of the group is slightly misleading, as most of our members are quite young. The music we perform brings us happiness and pride.”

“It is an honour to be here among the Bulgarian community and enthusiasts of Bulgarian music. It is a great pleasure to see Bulgarians abroad enjoying Bulgarian songs. Our audience is always enthusiastic, and that energises us,” says Nikolay Paykov of “Banski Starcheta”.

Editor: Elena Karkalanova

Posted in English by E. Radkova