Rose petals became the inspiration for this holiday in the city of Kazanlak, which is located right in the Valley of Roses. A festival dedicated to one of the main symbols of Bulgaria is taking place here.
The holiday begins early in the morning on rose plantations. Girls in traditional dresses collect fragrant flower petals. And nearby you can get acquainted with the technology of production of rose oil and rose water.
After collecting the petals, folk groups perform. The holiday is gradually moving to the city. A colorful column of 6,000 participants marches through the streets.
Roses began to be grown in this area in the 18th century. Now rose plantations occupy 5,000 hectares. A variety of Damask rose, Kazanlak rose, grows here.
This year there is another important reason for the holiday. Spring turned out to be especially warm, so the roses bloomed earlier. As a result, we collected twice as many petals.
Bulgaria produces some of the best rose oils in the world. And the Valley of Roses and the Rose Festival attract tens of thousands of tourists from all over the world.
Rose essential oil is used in the production of cosmetics and perfumes. The petals are used to make tea and jam. They are also added to Turkish delight.
The Rose Festival takes place in two cities in turn: in even years – in Kazanlak, in odd years – in the city of Karlovo, where rose oil is also produced.
