The Koprivstitsa Festival

Introduced by the communist regime to preserve Bulgarian folklore, the Koprivstitsa Festival is a priceless event that features authentic folk music and dance from across the Balkans, with most performers in their ethnic costume. It takes place in and around this showcase historic village of Ottoman trader's houses in a wooded vale of the Sredna Gora Mountains. Held every five years, the next festival is likely to be immense, as the number of foreign visitors to the region increases. The multi-stage festival site lies outside the village – bring walking shoes and everything you might need for the day. The camp site is a good place to go for all night jamming and dancing. Stalls for handicrafts, musical instruments, CDs, food and drink are plentiful.