The first summer festival of authentic wedding rituals of the different ethnic groups in the region took place on June 27, 2004

The festival featured the diversity of rituals and customs of all ethnic groups in the region (Bulgarians, Turkish and Roma). The theme of the festival was related with the typical for the city production of wedding attires and accessories (dating back to the middle of the 19th century) and the diversity of its cultures.

The organizers re-enacted wedding rituals of the ethnoses in the region (Stanimashka old city wedding, Rhodopian wedding and Turkish wedding) with the typical for the time wedding dresses and accessories, made by amateur groups in the city. One of the features rituals was “Kalenitza” – a still acting rite in the city and related with the Bride of the Sun and the prophesies, made on Enyovden (Midsummer or Enyo’s Day). The ritual is typical for the Assenovgrad region.

Contemporary wedding dresses and new tendencies were showcased along with the performances of old rituals. Leading companies in the sector presented their latest wedding collections.

The wedding ceremonies were accompanied by the traditional wedding meals, the world-famous Stanimashki sarmichki and the Stanimashki Mavroud. The attractive Uti Buchvarov, presenter of the festival, chaired the jury of the culinary exhibition, in which the Assenovgrad producers presented their culinary skills.

A real wedding couple also took part in the programme and received greetings and presents from the Assenovgrad mayor Kiril Trendafilov. The couple cut the wedding cake.

The next events under the “Creation and promotion of a new cultural tourist product “Rhodopian Holy Wood” are:

Assenova Krepost (Assen’s Fortress) Sound and lights show, re-enacting the legends and myths of the Assen’s Fortress through the means of scenic arts – September 12, 2004.

Winter Christian Holidays Festival: eastern orthodox chants performed by choirs from the country and aboard will be organized in the temples of the city, as well as an accompanying exhibition of authentic icons, a seminar of icon writing, and a re-enactment of local folk rites, related with the Christmas celebrations.