These three summer days are the hottest days in the year and are dedicated to the sun and its power.

The first day is called Churliga, the second one - Purliga and the third one - Fire Marina. During these days the farmers do not work in order to prevent fires.

In July is the height of the harvest. Many songs have been sung and stories have been written about it. The harvest is a topic of the songs of the world famous Bistritza Grannies.

Bistritza Grannies – world cultural heritage

This unique group for authentic folklore from the village of Bistritza, Sofia region, represents Bulgaria in the List of Masterpieces of the World Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, 2005.

The songs, dances and customs of the women from Shopluka /here the area around Sofia/ have charmed everyone and have no analogue. The way they sing is unique and is described by experts as polyphony of three voices coming from pre-Christian era.

Their repertoire includes more than 300 songs, which cover almost the entire Bulgarian festive spectrum. Dressed in exceptionally beautiful traditional costumes, the Grannies sing and dance in a circle, performing varied steps. It is typical for them that music and dance rhythms are not synchronized. The group performs reproductions of different customs and traditions: harvest, wedding, working-bee, cotton bleaching, Lazaruvane, etc. The wisdom and skills of the Bistritza Grannies are a treasure, guarded for centuries and handed down from generation to generation. Today they are ready to pass it again – to their granddaughters.

Photo: Gulmira Bakirova