site.bta31st National Karakachani Convention Opens in Karandila

The annual National Karakachani Convention has again brought members of this ethnic group together in the Karandila Scenic Area in the eastern section of the Balkan Range. The event is organized by the Federation of Culture and Education Societies of the Karakachani in Bulgaria.

The Karakachani are a Greek community who used to depend on raising sheep and selling milk, meat and wool for a livelihood. They have a unique culture, speak a Greek dialect and profess Eastern Orthodox Christianity. There are 20,000 Karakachani in Bulgaria, concentrated mainly in the municipalities of Sliven and Karlovo.

The opening of the convention on Saturday was attended by Bulgarian Vice President Iliana Iotova, Metropolitan Arsenii of Sliven, Greek Ambassador to Bulgaria Alexios Liberopoulos, MPs Dessislava Taneva and Maria Belova, Sliven Mayor Stefan Radev and Kotel Mayor Kosta Karanashev.

Vice President Iotova said in a speech: "We Bulgarians know well the magical power of this place, which has a special energy and magic. This magic is even stronger in the closing days of August, when the area resonates with the incredible songs, dances and traditions of the Karakachani [and is graced with their] wonderful costumes. You have preserved your traditional lifestyle to this day. You value memory, and you pass this value on to your children, the coming generations. Knowledge becomes a human asset when people value memory and their history, and it is only then that they can have a future."

Iotova conveyed greetings from President Rumen Radev.

Metropolitan Arsenii officiated at a prayer service of gratitude. He said that the convention, which is having its 31st edition, is symbolic, because it shows the unity of spirit and mundane life, "the unity of faith, despite some differences". "Faith unites us through Christ's love," Arsenii said.

The Sliven Ensemble for Folk Singing and Dance gave a show at the opening of the convention.