Thousands of Guests from Bulgaria and Abroad Watch Rose Picking Ritual near Kazanlak

Jerusalem, 3 June, 2024 (TPS) -- KAZANLAK, CENTRAL BULGARIA, (BTA)

Thousands of guests from Bulgaria and abroad watched a rose picking ritual near Kazanlak on Sunday. Among them were Tourism Minister Evtim Miloshev, Education and Science Minister Galin Tsokov, Deputy Agriculture and Food Minister Deyan Stratev, members of Parliament, heads of central and local government institutions, and mayors. Foreign diplomats and representatives of Kazanlak sister towns were also there.

The annual ritual was held for the 121st time. “The rose is one of Bulgaria’s national symbols, and Bulgarian rose oil is well-known worldwide for its quality,” Stratev said. He vowed that rose farmers can count on strong support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

Fields planted with oil-bearing rose have expanded since last year despite the difficulties, and currently measure 5,000 hectares, Stratev said, adding that Bulgaria has 51 rose flower producing and processing businesses.

The Rose Queen of 2024, Nedelina Nedelcheva, and her runners-up, named in a traditional beauty contest, were presented during the ritual. Folklore music and dance performances were held.

Approached by BTA, Tourism Minister Miloshev said: “This is extraordinary. We see the emotion and the energy of the Rose Festival. Everything is very impressive.”

Kazanlak Mayor Galina Stoyanova expects a growing number of tourists to visit the area. She asked Education Minister Tsokov whether he would consider having school students help with the manual rose harvesting process to offset the shortage of labour. Tsokov approved of the idea.