More than 30 master artisans from across Bulgaria will take part in this year’s edition of Traditional Crafts Week, which will be held from June 22 to 28 at the Regional Ethnographic Museum in Plovdiv. With nearly two decades of history, the event continues to attract thousands of visitors from Bulgaria and abroad through its unique format – live demonstrations of traditional crafts performed before the public.

Visitors will have the opportunity not only to watch the artisans at work but also to participate in the creative process themselves. In the museum courtyard, they will be able to try pottery on a potter’s wheel, make scented candles, weave baskets, practice traditional weaving, create felt toys, decorate eggs, or choose from a selection of handmade jewelry.

The official opening of Traditional Crafts Week will take place on June 23 at 12:00 p.m. in the museum courtyard.

This year’s special focus is embroidery, one of Bulgaria’s most beautiful and best-preserved traditional crafts. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover the intricacies of traditional embroidery and purchase original handmade pieces created using authentic techniques.

Special guests of the event will be embroidery masters Kristina Dan and Natalia Nicolaescu from the Bessarabian Gathering Association in the Republic of Moldova. They will demonstrate their skills in open-air workshops and exchange knowledge, techniques, and experience with Bulgarian embroiderers. The association’s mission is to revive, promote, and preserve authentic examples of traditional Moldovan folk costume.

As part of the event, a guest exhibition from the Republic of Moldova dedicated to traditional folk costume and the iconic Altița blouse will also be presented. The exhibition will open on June 23 at 6:00 p.m.

Among the official guests of the ceremony will be H.E. Emil Jacota, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Bulgaria, and Veselin Chipev, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Moldova in Plovdiv.

The evening programme will conclude with a special fashion show featuring contemporary garments inspired by traditional Bulgarian embroidery motifs. The collection has been created by designer Olimpia Lupo, recipient of a gold medal at an international exhibition in Beijing dedicated to the contemporary continuation of traditional cultural heritage.

On June 24, artisans, museum staff, and visitors will celebrate Enyovden (Midsummer Herb Day) – the traditional Bulgarian feast associated with herbalists and healers. As part of the celebration, visitors will be invited to pass beneath a wreath of medicinal herbs for health and good fortune, enjoy a musical programme, and watch a traditional Enyovden ritual performed by dancers from the “St. St. Cyril and Methodius” Secondary School.

Traditional Crafts Week is among the most established events in Plovdiv’s cultural calendar and continues to preserve, promote, and pass on the richness of Bulgarian traditions to future generations. Throughout the week, visitors will be able to participate in any of the thirteen craft workshops led by master artisans.

For information and registrations: +359 899 283 291.