site.btaThe Brides of Ribnovo

Ribnovo, southwestern Bulgaria, January 10 (BTA) - Тhe southwestern village of Ribnovo is one of very few places in Bulgaria where weddings are not what we know them to be. They are colourful and different. This remote mountainous village is home to a community of Bulgarian Muslims, or Pomaks, who ardently observe their traditions and women even wear traditional dresses every day. Many local people, especially the young, work away from their home village but they usually marry within their own and return for the wedding. Winter is the wedding season because farming activities are yet to start. A wedding usually lasts two days. The older people make sure the traditional rituals are strictly observed.
 
Pictured: a bride leaves her home with her eyes closed. Women apply makeup to her face and decorate it as part of a tradition, known as "gelina".