Many Bulgarians opt for studying and/or working abroad. Some of them return here, others prefer to stay away from home. However, no matter the exact spot on the world map, it’s always good to find something Bulgarian, something close to our heart in this place - For instance, in Aberdeen – Scotland’s third largest city, where Bulgarian students keep up the traditions, spirit and culture of this country. Folk dances, music, clothing, chef’s nights and lots of smiles unify our compatriots in Aberdeen, making them feel at home.

Chair of Aberdeen University Bulgarian Society for the past year Nikola Lazarov tells us more about them. He studies computer sciences in the university there, saying that after gathering some post-graduate experience he would like to return to Bulgaria.

“The Bulgarian community in Aberdeen is unique. The university is really good and education is free, which attracts plenty of Bulgarians. Our community does help our compatriots here. We organize various events, starting with a meeting with freshmen at the opening of the academic year. Then we have these Bulgarian folk dances events and we are really proud of those, as the Bulgarian spirit and culture can be strongly felt there…”

The committee of the community also organizes meetings of the Bulgarians in Aberdeen, where the participants discuss how they can contribute to the development of their motherland – for instance, how and where they can vote on forthcoming polls. “It is really beautiful to see all these Bulgarians united in Scotland,” Nikola says and adds:

“We had this show for March 3^rd (Bulgaria’s National Day), where 10 people had prepared incredible choreography. We won a scholarship from the university for the purchase of Bulgarian traditional clothing and the Scots remained astonished. Our Balkan party is one of the major events here. It is visited by the greatest number of people: we had some 300 guests from Bulgaria, Greece, Romania etc. We also have weekly jam sessions with Bulgarian songs and dances. All the money collected is donated for charity. We want to show that together we can have fun and do something good.”

“There are many foreigners who attend our folk dance lessons. Many come to the Bulgarian parties for the pretty Bulgarian women,” Nikola says with a smile and adds: “They all find our traditions beautiful and interesting. Some of them haven’t even heard of Bulgaria – there was this girl who thought that it was an island to the South of Spain…”

As there are places around the globe which can’t boast with a purely Bulgarian spot, Nikola sends the following message:

“I would say that: If you don’t have a Bulgarian community, do create one! The feeling is unique – being abroad, but feeling at home. I feel good when I know that I can attend Bulgarian dances and song performances at any time. The community has helped me a lot. If you don’t establish your community, at least find the Bulgarians in the region and communicate with them. Don’t lose what’s Bulgarian in you!” Nikola Lazarov says in conclusion.

English version: Zhivko Stanchev