The second half of the XIXth century. The costume is from the collection of Tanya Kirovska - Gramatikova, a true connoisseur and researcher of the next costumes from Northern Bulgaria.
👉 You can view the calendar here.
👉 The costume dressed the beautiful girl Galya Nenkovska.
👉 The costume is worn from late autumn to early spring. It consists of a hemp and cotton tunic-like shirt, a soukman (pinafore), an apron, a belt with buckles, stockings, “dolaktanka” (an outer garment with sleeves up to the elbows) and a red headscarf. In the winter, a “kasak” is also put on the “dolaktanka”. The soukman (pinafore) is short and it is distinguished by bright red, substantial-sized appliqué, enhanced with a filigree decoration and braids on the bosom. The “dolaktanka” is similar in size, fabric, cut and decoration to the “kasak”, but with fewer appliqués at the waist, and richer decoration on the sleeves.
👉 See how the beautiful Galya presents herself here in her business card:
"I am Galya Nenkovska. My roots are entirely in the Northwestern part of Bulgaria, I was born and raised in the town of Koynare, Pleven region. The choice of name comes from my grandfather, I am named after him, his name is Gergo, I am proud and I bear my name in honor, which in turn means "sublime" and motivates me further.
I can say for myself that I am a very purposeful person, I like to be busy with various activities and to be constantly productive. At my work I deal with accounting services, I am currently studying for a master's degree in accounting. My interests are related to various spheres of society, they hold my family very much and I love spending time with it, as it is an unwritten law! The rest of the time I like to go out with friends and play sports. My emotions are related to the little things in life, I enjoy the love, gestures, attention and time spent with loved ones.
In my family we love the Bulgarian holidays, I personally like Lazarus Day since I was a child. Ever since my childhood, in my mind, as well as in my heart, there is the memory of how my parents dressed me with a national costume and a basket in hand to go around the houses and sing songs about health.
Bulgarian folklore and my personality are connected - something like two people in one body. I feel it in my blood mostly when I hear music, and when I hear bagpipes - I get goosebumps! I have been doing folk dances unprofessionally since I can remember, since I was a child it just comes from inside me. Everyone has a different way of perceiving folklore, it is a pleasure for me, it makes me relax and "escape" from my daily duties.
Most of all in my homeland I like peace, harmony and coziness. Local holidays and traditions are observed by people in different ways, but desire is important. Young people are the ones who should be more interested, know and try to preserve the traditions of Bulgarian folklore. This is one of our missions in our small town and I am proud to say that it works!
When I put on the costume from the village of Lehchevo, I felt like a proud Bulgarian, beautiful and carrying a long history. I would wear the costume again, no matter the occasion. I even want to mention that my acquaintances at the wedding were in traditional costumes. I would do the same at my wedding!
Bulgaria is STRONG!
👉 Photographer: Petar Petrov
❤️ Тhe Live Roots of Bulgaria Foundation would like to thank Olcom Ltd. MoiataKozmetika.com as well as the digital agency Bogara Ltd. for the support in publishing this calendar!
