Festival of Rose in Kazanlak, Bulgaria
About this good practice
The Festival of Rose, held annually in May - June, pays homage to the region's abundant rose fields and the centuries-old tradition of Bulgarian Rose Oil production.
Visitors can immerse themselves in various events, including the picking of roses at sunrise, cultural performances, exhibitions showcasing local crafts, and indulging in rose-based products.
The festival has 120-year old history. It is organized by the Municipality of Kazanlak and is a large-scale event, lasting 30 consecutive days. It brings more than 120 000 international visitors to the region, boosting local businesses and industry and promoting Bulgarian Rose and products.
The festival was established in 1903 and has usually been as a weekend event. In the past 12 years, it was turned into a large-scale 30-day event during the active rose picking season, involving cultural institutions and businesses from 20 towns and villages.
There are tens of events on the topics of rose production, culture, ethnography, food, wine.
Key points for success:
• Program is made centrally by Kazanlak Municipality with the contribution of all institutions
• All events are supervised by Kazanlak Municipality to ensure consistency
• Core events, but also something new and different every year
• Partnership with local, regional and national businesses
• International guest delegations from sister-towns
• Coordinated events in multiple towns and villages within the same period
Resources needed
Staff: All divisions of Kazanlak Municipality, community centers, museums and tourism sites in the are fully engaged with the festival preparations from January to May. No additional staff is hired. Budget: comes mainly from business sponsors and a small part from ticket sales
Evidence of success
More than 120 000 visitors attend the festival events within one month. This provides income for various businesses in the whole region: hotels are full in 40-50 km radius. Restaurants and other businesses in the food sector benefit from the tourist flow
SMEs have the chance to showcase and sell their products to a large and diverse audience during the multiple marketplaces and events. The whole region’s popularity is increased thanks to the tourism flow.
Potential for learning or transfer
Similar festivals could be organized in various regions, focusing on their particular regional products and traditions. The current format of the festival (30 days, tens of various events), established 12 years ago, is a good opportunity to engage regional communities and businesses even in remote places with less industry.
Further information
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.