The Association for the Development of the Arts and Crafts 7 has awarded for the fifth consecutive year people who have left their mark on Bulgarian culture and have contributed to the preservation of the country’s national traditions. ARIZ 7 supports traditional crafts and contemporary art created in the spirit of Bulgarian customs. The association also supports personalities who preserve Bulgarian folklore rituals, songs and dances. In times of economic crisis and in light of the fight for survival in so many cultural spheres, such efforts are a real inspiration to Bulgaria’s craftsmen, amateur artists, etc. The annual prize bestowed by the Association for the Development of the Arts and Crafts 7 is entitled Guardian of Traditions. The association bestows two awards in each individual category. The winners are selected by a professional jury and nominations from the audience. A total of twenty-five honoray diplomas were handed this year along with the special awards. The ceremony started with the traditional welcoming speech by celebrated Bulgarian singer Valya Balkanska who is one of the first holders of this award.

Both awards in the folklore category for young people went to young Bulgarian folk singer Petar Georgiev.

“This award is a great recognition of my efforts”, says Mr. Georgiev. “I am 30 years old now and several weeks ago I was bestowed the Voice of 2014 award at the annual folklore awards in the town of Smolyan. I am originally from the village of Pisarevo near the town of Gorna Oryahovitsa (Central North Bulgaria). Folklore collections rarely feature songs from my region. I decided to preserve and promote this regional folklore as a singer and head of a folklore group which I launched in my native village.”

Bulgarian painter Bozhidar Chantarski also won the vote of the audience and the jury. He was awarded in the fine arts category for young people. Artist Bozhidar Chantarski is from the city of Veliko Tarnovo:

“There are many elements of our folklore heritage in my pictures”, Bozhidar Chantarski further said. “I sell many canvases abroad. I am happy to be able to promote Bulgarian traditions abroad. It is a great honor for me to be the holder of this award, because this is a wonderful platform that gives young artists an opportunity to demonstrate their skills.”

Folklore groups from all parts of Bulgaria such as Dionisiev Zvan Mummers from the town of Sopot, Hemus Dance Ensemble from the town of Vratsa, a young bag pipers trio from the Rhodopes, as well as folk groups from the capital Sofia and the nearby villages arrived to greet the guardians of the national traditions. Chemerika female folklore formation conducted by Mrs. Darena Popova was also among them. Mrs. Popova has been at the head of the Angel Marinov Academic Choir for many years. Meanwhile, she has been working in the folklore sphere as well.

“This is our fortune and identity. The example we set must attract more people, if we want to beable to continue to enjoy this national wealth. We perform authentic songs and arrangements with Chemerika formation. In each case the sounding of our amateur voices conveys a different message.”

More about the event from the chairman of the Association for the Development of the Arts and Crafts 7 Penyo Ivanov:

“Another one of these marvellous events is now history. I am sure our guests will keep good memories of this event. We are now expecting proposals for nominations in the different categories for 2015. We also hope to receive more invitations for our initiative entitled Urban Tradition. Last but not the least I would be happy to receive new recipes with chilly peppers for the contest which continues. This contest is part of the preparations for the Hot Chilly Peppers Festival which is to be held next year. Chilly peppers are part of the Bulgarian national traditions and of many comic stories. We want to keep the traditions alive.”

English version: Kostadin Atansov 

Photos: Albena Bezovska