There is little doubt that the modern man lives in a turbulent world that is changing at lightning speed. Trying to adapt to all the changes, it becomes easy for him to lose his essence and his path. In these difficult times, people need supporters and trusted guides with whom they can overcome the obstacles of this new age. Like-minded people, creating a sense of belonging and nation.
Our ancestors built a great culture that influenced events and human history around the world. Being the heirs to the glorious Bulgarian people, today we have the honour of reviving the greatness of the past and marking the start of a new era in the battle for the preservation of Bulgarian memory and historical traditions.
From the 18th to the 20th of June, 2021, the Historical Park will host the immense INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUE AND MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL “NEW BEGINNING”. The festival will mark the second anniversary of the opening of the park and the 1340th anniversary of the most significant event in our history: the founding of the Bulgarian state, here in the Balkans, at the end of the 7th century.
During the festival, the way of life and folklore, martial culture and customs of the peoples who inhabited the Bulgarian lands from the Antiquity and the time of the brilliant Thracian civilization and ancient Rome, until the twilight of the Second Bulgarian medieval kingdom at the end of the 14th and the beginning 15th century will be recreated.
More than 280 reconstructors - fighters, artisans and artists from Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, France and Ireland, will participate in bringing history to life during the three days of the festival. This will convince us once again of the power contained in the words of Kubrat's testament: "Together, we can accomplish anything!"
The festival will be held next to the Historical Park and will be open to visitors of all ages. Visiting the festival does not require the purchase of a ticket to access the Historical Park. Of course, during the three-day festival in the territory of the park itself, there will be also adventures awaiting you, so now is the perfect time to visit the tourist attraction. As with the official opening of the Historical Park, you will once again not only be able to enjoy the program that we have prepared for you, but also to experience being a part of it, provided you have the courage. Because we know that the most real experience are the ones we have personally approached.
The “NEW BEGINNING” festival will be officially open on the 18th of June from 10:00 am. The festival program for the day includes: presentation of the participants and their camps, a traditional archery tournament and fascinating shows and musical performances in front of the campfire and the large feast table.
The official start of the longest and most dynamic festival day, on the 19th of June, will be accompanied by 25 bagpipes from the 101 Kaba Gaidi group, followed by a rich program that includes: a medieval fencing tournament, demonstrations and large-scale battle re-enactments, testing of medieval weapons and protective gear, re-enactments of significant historical events and more.
The program will continue with a spectacular concert. We will fill your eyes with the lights and flames of a pyrotechnic show. The virtuosos of Bulgarian folk music and dances will shine on the stage: the ensemble "Chinari", the magic flute of Kosta Genchev and the sweet sound of the solo-cello. The Executive Director of the Historical Park - Ivelin Mihailov will also take the stage for a short introductory speech. On this day, the works of the artists of the competition will be presented for a musical work: a hymn that praises our beautiful homeland, nature and our glorious history. You can find out more here.
On the 20th of June, the participants will celebrate the path of the ancestors with a symbolic military march of 1340 steps which will lead them from this "New Dawn" which took place more than a millennium ago here on this earth, to the New Begining of today.
Be part of the spirit of this exceptional Bulgarian event, which takes us back to our true roots!
Let us show that we appreciate and love our country and that we are proud of the accomplishments of all who build, create and beautify it. The time has come to unite!
From the 18th to the 20th of June, 2021,
Historical Park, village of Neofit Rilski,
Municipality of Vetrino, Varna region.
