Banat Bulgarians anticipate spring with the ''Farshangi'' Carnival Festival

A celebration of spring and joy, and a symbol of the Banat Bulgarians and the Catholic traditions in Bulgaria – this is the carnival festival “Farshangi” held in the village of Bardarski Geran (Vratsa Region). This year, the carnival will take place on February 14 and 15, marking the period before the start of the Easter Lent. For Orthodox Christians, Lent begins on February 23 and lasts until April 11, while for Catholics it runs from February 18 (Ash Wednesday) to April 4.

“This year we are celebrating three holidays in one- Farshangi, Valentine’s Day, and Trifon Zarezan”, says Irina Bosilkova, Chairperson of the Community Center “Saedinenie 1923” in Bardarski Geran, in an interview with BNR Vidin. “We have prepared a very rich program for ‘Farshangi’, with plenty of surprises for our guests. The focus this year is on wine, food and love, and probably the most interesting event will be the Banat sausage competition. Before that, there will be a traditional pig slaughter, which differs from the traditional Bulgarian Christmas custom. On the following day, February 15, the emphasis will shift to pastry and baked specialties. This year, in addition to the live demonstrations, there will also be a competition for Banat dishes, in which anyone can participate. In the final part of the event, visitors to Bardarski Geran will have the opportunity to sample the dishes prepared by us and the contestants”, Irina Bosilkova went on to say.

• The lesser-known community of Banat Bulgarians living in Bulgaria

Those who immerse themselves in the spirit of this year’s “Farshangi” carnival festival will be able to taste ''Chorba Lista'' completely free of charge. The dish is a chicken broth in which the meat and various vegetables are boiled whole, explains Irina Bosilkova. Contrary to what the name might suggest, the ‘leaves’ are neither cabbage nor leafy greens, but freshly hand-rolled noodles cut into thin strips. The traditional bazaar will feature handmade crafts, organic products, and Banat sausage prepared according to an old Banat recipe. The local community center “Saedinenie 1923”, which helps organize the carnival, will have its own stand called the Banat Room (a traditional Banat interior recreating the lifestyle, culture, and spirit of the Banat Bulgarians). “At this stand we will offer our own handmade items, and the proceeds from the sales will support the Ethnographic Museum in Bardaski Geran”, says Irina Bosilkova. 

The name Farshangi comes from the Hungarian word Farsang and the German Fasching, meaning carnival. However, at this festival you will not see kukeri (mummers) or fearsome masks, but rather a genuine tribute to the theater of reversed roles, where men dress like women, and women take on men’s roles. Meanwhile, children, transform into their favorite fairy-tale and film characters through colorful costumes. All of this creates an atmosphere of joyful, controlled chaos in anticipation of spring.

Edited by Vesela Krasteva

Based on an interview by Nedka Lilkova for BNR – Radio Vidin

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov