The Rose oil
The rose oil from Damascena rose, or as they call it the “liquid gold” of Bulgaria, is the most valuable product that is produced in the most fragrant corner of Bulgaria – the Rose Valley. The exceptional quality of Bulgarian rose oil is traditionally in high demand in the highest class of perfumery and cosmetics.
Here are some curious facts about the rose oil and the Damascena rose:
The Rose Festival in Kazanlak, Bulgaria
One of the most popular and recognizable symbols of Bulgaria is the world-renowned Rose festival in Kazanlak, in the so-called Valley of the Roses. Rose scent, baskets full of rose blossoms, folklore music and dances, tons of beauty and joy – that’s just part of the festival celebrations.
The Rose festival in Kazanlak is the first official festival of Bulgaria with 120 years old tradition. It all started as a celebration of the roses, flowers and beauty and with gratitude for the fertility of the Rose Valley. Today, the festival has preserved the most essential part of the authentic rituals, recreating the joy of the rose-picking and the hospitality of the hardworking residents of Kazanlak region.
A holiday that has become so famous that every year it is visited by tourists from all over the world, traveling thousands of kilometers just to catch a glimpse of the beauty of the rose fields, to get to know the Bulgarian folklore and traditions, and, of course, to experience the typical Bulgarian lifestyle, dishes and drinks.
The festival’s program and the cultural calendar around the Rose Valley are full of various events for all ages. Still, the major events are definitely worth visiting and are a must for every festival lover and those eager to learn more about the local history and traditions.
The main celebrations of the festival take place on the last weekend of May or first weekend of June.
The dates for the Rose Festival 2025 are from 06th till 8th of June 2025.
Rose picking ritual and rose distilling
The rose picking rituals take place in the rose fields of a few villages in the area of Kazanlak. As the period of picking oil-bearing rose blossoms is very limited, about 20-30 days a year, usually from mid-May till mid-June, as well as the time of day – the Damascena roses must be picked early in the morning, in order to keep the essential oil quality and their magnificent aroma, one must not miss the opportunity to become part of this unique experience.
The ritual itself hasn’t really changed in the last 200 years and today it is a real celebration in the rose fields where guests are welcomed with festive bread, lots of folklore music, dancing and delicious treats – rose jam, rose liquor and rose brandy (Gjulova rakija).
Right after the picking, the rose distilling begins and guests can take home the freshly produced rose water.
Festive carnival parade
The holiday culmination is the festival parade along the main street in Kazanlak. With more than 4000 participants from different dance, music, local arts and student formations from Bulgaria and abroad, the festival parade is the biggest street parade in Bulgaria.
“Queen Rose” Contest
An important part of the festival celebrations is the beauty pageant where the Queen Rose is elected. She is a symbol of the Rose Valley and the country and leads the carnival procession of the Rose Festival, on the first Sunday of June.
The whole region of the Rose Valley celebrates this magical flower, so if you happen to miss the Rose Festival in Kazanlak, there are some pretty good alternatives in the nearby towns.
The Rose festival in the town of Karlovo
The local rose festival in Karlovo is celebrates annually in the last Saturday of May. The rich program of the festival day includes rose picking in the rose fields near town with bagpipe music, national costumes, special festive bread, Kukeri (mummers) dances. The town is filled with lots of songs and music, dances, good mood and the irresistible fragrance of her majesty the Rose. You could buy souvenirs, local crafts and productions related to the rose at a special market downtown.
The celebration continues with a demonstration of rose-oil producing, using authentic vessels from the 18th century. Visitors and guests are treated to rose brandy (rakija), liqueur and rose jam.
Date for 2025: 31th May 2025
The Rose celebrations in the town of Gurkovo
The legendary flower is celebrated throughout the whole Rose Valley. If you are in the region of Gurkovo around the end of May, you would be able to become part of the local Rose festival and the rituals of distilling rose-oil and rose brandy (rakija). Of course, an invariable part of the celebrations are the rose picking ritual, folklore music and dances.
The Rose Festival is not just a celebration of the beauty and fragrance of the Damascena rose but also a way to honor Bulgarian tradition, culture, and hospitality. Each year, thousands of visitors immerse themselves in this unique experience, taking home unforgettable memories of the Rose Valley. If you are looking for an authentic event filled with color, music, and tradition, the Rose Festival in Bulgaria is a must-see. Don’t miss it!
