Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Ribnovo chooses the most beautiful "gelina" bride

Photo: blagoevgrad.egov.bg

On the eve of the New Year, the most beautiful "gelina" bride of the last 4 years is chosen in the Bulgarian-Mohammedan village of Ribnovo, in south-west Bulgaria. 

"Gelina" is the name given to brides in the region. It is a unique tradition, where the brides are specially dressed and their faces are painted and decorated for the wedding. 
The "Mrs Gelina 2024" contest is being held for the first time and the winners will be announced tonight, reports BNT. 

"Our parents always told us, 'When you grow up, you will be a Gelina', and that was always our dream. We don't dream of wedding dresses, we dream of being gelinas," said Kadrie Kiselova of the Creative Community Foundation, the organiser of the competition. 

It is the wish of the people of Ribnovo that this wedding custom, which is already part of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage, will become world famous, that more people will know about it.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Pirin mountain

A promo video introduces Bulgaria to the Middle East and China

A new short film showcasing Bulgaria's natural beauty, resorts and leisure opportunities is set to attract tourists from China and the Middle East. Titled "Bulgaria: A Touch of Nature" and created by Stiliyan Kadrev, the 15-minuteo offers a visual..

published on 3/31/25 3:56 PM

Nayden Gerov’s modern-day followers in the UK

Guided by the idea of preserving the Bulgarian spirit, culture and language, with 35 years of experience as a Bulgarian teacher and having worked in different European countries, in 2017, Iliana Boyajieva Smith founded a Bulgarian school in..

published on 3/30/25 7:10 AM

Elhovo celebrates 100 years since its declaration as a town

President Rumen Radev was a guest at the Elhovo holiday and the celebration of 100 years since its declaration as a town, BTA reported. According to the head of state, the border town of Elhovo "is today a place with spirit and traditions, with..

published on 3/29/25 5:53 PM