site.btaNational Sheep Breeding Fair to Be Held near Lyaskovets Monastery, May 24-26

Sheep breeders will gather for a three-day national fair near the St Peter and St Paul Monastery of Lyaskovets, near Veliko Tarnovo, which will open at noon on May 24. Dzhumal mummers from the southern village of Kalugerovo will perform a traditional magical dance for fertility and good luck in the opening hours of the event. Live music by a bagpipe band called 101 Kaba Gaidi will resound in the area.

The organizers of the festival have prepared a varied programme. It includes exhibitions of sheep, goats, machinery and dairy products, farmer competitions, historical re-enactments, food shows, tasting sessions, fire walking and horo chain dances, and evening concerts.

For the first time, the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria will confer awards on talented young artists participating in a folk competition during the fair. Dubbed "Unity in Diversity", the awards will be given to children and young people performing as folk singers, dancers, instrumentalists and painters. The idea is to encourage them to apply their talents, persevere in their personal development and stay interested in art.

The National Fair of Sheep Breeders combines the economic aspect of sheep and goat farming and traditional popular culture. It is organized by the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Association and the Heritage in the Future Foundation with the assistance of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the municipal governments of Veliko Tarnovo, Lyaskovets and Gorna Oryahovitsa.