The month of March began with many celebrations. The 1st of March began with the traditional celebration Martenitsa, symbolising the arrival of spring. We received a bracelet and were told “Happy Grandma Marta”. This is a unique way to wish someone good luck, health and fertility.
On the 3rd of March, we celebrated the Day of Liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman Dominio. On this day in 1878, the Treaty of San Stefano was signed, Bulgaria was finally free from the rule of the Ottoman Empire and the country became independent.
We hiked 6km from Shipka village to The Liberty Memorial at Shipka peak. Many people came to celebrate as well as the Prime Minister.
Then came the Kukeri celebration where men and boys wear masks and costumes to scare away evil spirits. At the school the children had the opportunity to make their own masks.
In the evening we went to Kazanlak to celebrate this event around a big fire. There was traditional Bulgarian music, traditional dance, people circled the fire and jumped over it.
Here are the last pictures of the snow in Shipka before the weather changes.
Two new volunteers, Dafina and Iona from Sheynovo joined the project. We started clearing several plots with the goal of creating space for apple and pear trees. We started cutting trees and marking the locations for future trees.
At the end of March Shipka hosted the “First Balkan Synergy Conference”. The official guests were representatives from the neighbouring countries of Romania, Serbia, Macedonia, Greece and Turkey. Several topics were discussed including spirituality, traditions, education and health and sustainable development among others.
Several craftsmen came to exhibit their work and many people came to visit the museum.
