Bulgaria participates for the first time in the Festival of Christmas Trees in Indiana

published on 11/21/23 1:24 PM

Photo: Ralitsa Kolarova

The 2023 Festival of Trees in Indiana, USA, is displaying 78 Christmas trees decorated by some of the largest and most famous local associations, companies and organizations in the halls of the Historical Society Museum in the city. The funds collected at the annual charity event are distributed to those in need, and for the first time among the fir trees, there is a Bulgarian tree shining in all its splendor!

Bulgaria is represented thanks to the Bulgarians Abroad 681 Association - a relatively young organization, but with a number of participations and organization of various events, at which it presents Bulgarian history, culture, traditions, identity, self-awareness and the Bulgarian language.

What distinguishes the Bulgarian beauty at the Indiana Festival of Christmas trees?

"The most characteristic thing about our Christmas tree is that all the ornaments and toys are handmade because everyone can go and buy toys from the store, and our goal was to show what's typically Bulgarian", explains Ralitsa Kolarova from the Bulgarians Abroad 681 Association in an interview with Radio Bulgaria. "We presented different toy-making techniques, there are toys with Bulgarian embroidery, crochet ornaments, paper appliqués, painted glass toys. We also decorated pine cones to make the tree look more natural, more real".

Christmas balls with Bulgarian embroidery brought from Bulgaria. Author: Katya Mihova

A short explanation is placed next to each tree displayed in the festival. "A Christmas tree decorated with Bulgarian handmade ornaments weaves a tapestry of tradition, community and festive charm under twinkling lights" - reads the Bulgarian description.

What message does the Bulgarian Christmas tree bring in faraway Indiana?

"The main goal of the festival is charitable, but our goal as Bulgarians was to show the native Bulgarian traditions to the people in Indianapolis", says Ralitsa Kolarova. "Not everyone has heard of Bulgaria, but many people have now learned about Bulgarian embroidery and about Bulgaria thanks to this festival, which will last until January 6. So there is still time for many people to see it and find out about Bulgaria!"