The event significantly exceeded our expectations and, despite the unpredictable weather, attracted over 600 attendees. The program included more than 25 traditional Bulgarian dances and choreographies performed by 14 folklore groups. Among them were three local Bulgarian folk dance groups, nine visiting groups, and two children's groups, one of which was from the Bulgarian Sunday School "Vasil Levski" in Cambridge, where over 120 bilingual children study Bulgarian language, literature, history, and geography.
In addition to the dance performances, five folk singing performances left us breathless. These included young Bulgarian singers Mia Drageva from BNU "St. Ivan Rilski" in Cambridge and Anna Simeonova (London), as well as the male folk singing group "Bulgarian Legacy".
Special guests also attended the event, including the wife of the Bulgarian ambassador in London, Mrs. Lyubka Stoycheva; the newly elected Mayor of Cambridge, Mr. Baiju Thitala; three-time Mayor of Cambridge and Grand Master of the Order of St. George the Martyr, Mr. Robert Dryden; Mr. Richard Brown, Grand Prior; and Mr. Piero D'Angelico from Mill Road Traders, a supporter of the "Little Bulgaria" Initiative.
The Mayor opened the event with an inspiring speech about Bulgaria's 13-century-long history, traditions, and culture, passed down through generations. He emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and sharing traditions and celebrations among the diverse communities in Cambridge - a key mission of our organization - and the commitment of Cambridge's local government to supporting its rich cultural diversity.
The event also featured a competition for traditional Bulgarian costumes. Mrs. Stoycheva, the mayor, and Mr. Dryden were part of the jury and had the challenging task of selecting the most beautiful and authentic costumes.
We held a tug-of-war game for men and women, offering unique prizes.
A 40-meter-long Bulgarian flag was proudly displayed as we danced to the sounds of Bulgarian bagpipes, with the mayor and special guests leading the procession.
The bazaar showcased the work of two Bulgarian artists and featured products and services from eight Bulgarian businesses. The Mayor showed great interest in the bazaar and visited every exhibitor.
Our catering partners provided traditional Bulgarian food, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
We had discussions with the special guests about the mission of the "Little Bulgaria" Initiative in Cambridgeshire and our long-term goal of establishing a Bulgarian cultural center in Cambridge. This center would serve as a vibrant hub for Bulgarian education, literature, culture, arts, and traditions, helping strengthen community bonds, celebrate our rich heritage, and invite people from other cultures to experience the beauty of Bulgaria. We also discussed our proposal to the former mayor to organize an international intercultural festival in Cambridge in honor of St. George, the patron saint of England, and the national saint of Bulgaria, Portugal, Brazil, Germany, Greece, Catalonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Russia, and other countries. The mayor invited us to a meeting at the Cambridge Guildhall to discuss the needs of the Bulgarian community in Cambridgeshire and the charitable initiatives of the "Little Bulgaria" Initiative. We plan to hold the meeting in September, right after the summer holidays.
The event was covered by Cambridge Independent, the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), and the Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad.
Videos from the event are available on social media - Facebook and YouTube.
More photo albums from the event can be found on our Facebook page:
- A Bit of Everything - Facebook Album
- Performances and Certificates - Facebook Album
- Costume Contest and Awards - Facebook Album
- Tug-of-War Competition - Facebook Album
- Dancing with the Audience - Facebook Album
- People at the Event - Facebook Album
Photo credits: Sofia Stoyanova, Daniel Petkov, Petya Nikiforova.