First Bulgarian gathering in Berlin unites compatriots and friends

Bulgarian language, original music, children's art and traditional cuisine will all have their place at the first Bulgarian cultural gathering, to be held at the Bulgarian Embassy in Berlin on 10 October. The event is organised by Veneta Terzieva and Valentin Grigorov of the Bulgarian Berlin cultural and information portal, under the patronage of Bulgarian Ambassador Grigor Porozhanov.

The gathering will attract not only Bulgarians but also Germans whose interest in Bulgarian culture and traditions was kindled by earlier events organised by the Bulgarian community in Germany.

“We suspected that Germans would take part too, because two of them came to our last event and exclaimed at the end, ‘We loved it! It's a pity we didn't understand a word!’” Veneta says, laughing. She then gives us a glimpse of the programme, organised under the motto Our Language Preserves Us, Our Traditions Bring Us Together.

“Eleven authors will be featured in the Book Alley, but we'll start with our youngest participants, who have put together an anthology entitled The Word Comes Alive,” she says.

“While other children were getting ready for Christmas last year, ours were busy writing and drawing. And they did a wonderful job! They came up with some remarkable stories and lovely drawings. And there'll be something for the taste buds, too – we're holding a banitsa and pogacha baking competition, and we're going to make quite a show of it!”

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One of the highlights will be the exhibition 150 Years of Immortality, dedicated to the poet and revolutionary Hristo Botev. The exhibition is supported by the Ministry of Culture and held under the patronage of President Iliana Iotova.

The gathering will also feature traditional Bulgarian crafts, decorative arts, surrealist paintings by a young Bulgarian artist, original music and flute performances.

Among those taking part is Emilia Jucker, chair of the Association of Bulgarian Women and Families in Hamburg, who tells us more:

“For 20 years now, we've been promoting the Bulgarian language among Bulgarians in Hamburg, seeking to renew and enrich standard literary Bulgarian through artistic expression.

“At the end of June, we held our fourth Festival of Bulgarian Literature, featuring 55 authors and 38 collections, which have now become part of our Golden Collection. We'll be presenting them at the First Bulgarian Gathering in Berlin, along with our creative writing competition, organised with the support of the Confederation of Bulgarian Cultural Organisations Abroad.”

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Petya Lachezarova Hinrichs, a practitioner of so-called ancestral therapy, will present a project exploring Bulgarian symbols and traditional embroidery motifs.

“I'll be taking part alongside Marina Ilieva, who works in design, art and creative projects with Bulgarian children, drawing on themes from Bulgarian history and culture.

“We've developed a project called Bulgarian Symbols of Strength, featuring small handmade objects that can be used as decorations or amulets. “We'll also be presenting shevitsi – traditional Bulgarian embroidered patterns believed to carry ancient messages of harmony and protection.”

The event will also bring together Bulgarians and their German spouses. Among them is Professor Manfred Jucker of the University of Hamburg, who speaks enthusiastically about Bulgaria and its culture.

“I love Bulgaria because of its people and, of course, its culture and traditions. I'm always deeply impressed by Bulgarian culture, especially its literature, but also its folk dances and the way this culture survived centuries of Turkish rule and remained alive. That never ceases to amaze me!

“Bulgarians are a very strong people, full of joie de vivre, and deeply committed to preserving their history, culture, language, dances and literature. I believe this deserves every possible support, and that's why I help my wife.”

More than 250 participants and guests are expected to attend the first Bulgarian cultural gathering at the Bulgarian Embassy in the German capital.

“On 10 October, the Bulgarian Embassy in Berlin will bring together people of different ages, backgrounds and professions. But they all have one thing in common – a love for Bulgaria,” Veneta Terzieva told Radio Bulgaria.

Further reading:

• The "Bulgarian Berlin" website is gaining more and more popularity
• "A Musical Fairy Tale of Words" gives stage to Bulgarian children in Berlin

Editor: Elena Karkalanova