Festivals, Rituals, Social Connections and Eurovision Among the Topics to Be Explored by More Than 30 Scholars

More than 30 scholars specializing in history, ethnography, anthropology and museology will take part in the academic conference “The Bulgarian Village and Town: Transformations Through Time.” The event will be held on October 22–23, 2026, at the Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv.

“The programme focuses on the development and transformation of villages and towns across different historical periods, viewed from an ethnographic perspective. We are delighted by the tremendous interest in the conference,” commented the museum’s director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Angel Yankov.

The official opening will take place on October 22 at 11:30 a.m., in the presence of Plovdiv Deputy Mayor for Culture Plamen Panov and Amelia Gesheva, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Museums Association.

Hosting ethnographic conferences is a long-standing tradition at the Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv.

“Once again, we and our colleagues from across the country will demonstrate that museums are places where high-quality academic research is conducted, rather than simply spaces for visitors and leisure activities,” emphasized Assoc. Prof. Dr. Angel Yankov.

Over the two days of the conference, participants will explore various aspects of the transformations of village and urban life over time — from traditional evening gatherings to concert stages — as well as changes in people’s lifestyles, ways of thinking and forms of communication. Topics will include festivals and rituals, material culture, and places of social interaction, such as markets and railway stations, alongside the economy, art, traditional food and more.

Special attention will be devoted to the development of traditional crafts and their role in people’s everyday lives. The programme will also feature presentations on rural depopulation, refugees, and little-known historical figures and events.

Among the more unconventional ethnological perspectives is a presentation by Plamena Kirova, curator at the Regional Historical Museum – Burgas, exploring the connection between Burgas and Eurovision 2027. The topic is particularly timely as Bulgaria prepares to host the international music event next year.