Kazanlak: A colourful carnival parade passed along the central boulevard of Kazanlak on Sunday, the final day of the 122nd Rose Festival. The largest street parade in Bulgaria is the much-anticipated high point of the festival. This year it was mottoed ‘A Festive Parade of Fragrance and Beauty.’
According to Ghana News Agency, the parade was led by the 2025 Rose Queen, Maria Shamburova, and runners-up Konstantina Kostadinova and Tanya Chipilska. Bulgarian folk groups showcased the heritage of the Valley of Roses to guests from around the world.
The procession featured local schools, community centres, cultural groups, and international participants. Spectators enjoyed traditional costumes and performances, with the celebration ending in a joyful horo chain dance led by the Iskra folk ensemble.
Among the official guests were National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova, Vice President Iliana Iotova, Metropolitan Cyprian of Stara Zagora, Parliament’s Deputy Chair Yuliana Mateeva, Education and Science Minister Krasimir Valchev, MPs, Stara Zagora Regional Governor Nedelcho Marinov, Municipal Council Chairman Nikolay Zlatanov, regional and local officials, and delegations from Kazanlak’s twin cities.
Vice President Iliana Iotova addressed those gathered, emphasizing that the Bulgarian rose should be protected as a national treasure, beyond agricultural production. She expressed confidence in joint efforts to achieve this, highlighting the rose as Bulgaria’s finest ambassador.
Iotova recalled recent recognition in Grasse, France, where she represented Bulgaria alongside Kazanlak Deputy Mayor Srebra Kaseva. She praised Mayor Galina Stoyanova for defending Bulgaria’s essential oil industry in Europe, emphasizing the importance of this fight beyond Kazanlak to other Bulgarian towns.
The Vice President referred to EC-proposed amendments to the Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Chemicals, noting that Bulgarian MEPs united to sway a European Parliament vote in favor of revising the tentative position on essential oils.
Nataliya Kiselova remarked on the rose as a symbol of both the Kazanlak Valley and Bulgaria. Mayor Galina Stoyanova invited visitors to return and continue writing Kazanlak’s story, speaking of the Bulgarian rose as a cherished national symbol.
Earlier, visitors from Bulgaria and abroad gathered near Kazanlak for the traditional rose-picking ritual, re-enacted by local folk ensembles. This event was attended by ambassadors, Diplomatic Corps representatives, and delegations from Kazanlak’s twin towns.