Tradition and Culture
Local Crafts
Rhodopi artisans demonstrate big skills and agility in all crafts, making rare specimens of folk art. But men in the Rhodopi mountain demonstrate biggest mastery and artistic feeling in the coppersmith’s and in the goldsmith’s trade and the Rhodopi mountain women are best at weaving.
Local Festivals
The celebration of national holidays in the Rhodopi mountain has the features not only of national customs and traditions, but also has features distinctive of the customs in the Rhodopi area. This is due to geographical location and business and economic conditions, the influence of historical events over the people in this part of Bulgaria, as well as it is due to the unique mentality of Rhodopi people.
Rhodopi Cuisine
If you come to the Rhodopi mountain, you will never forget Rhodopi people- their hospitality and the delicious meals, which they will cook especially for you. Nothing compares to the taste of Rhodopi barbecue, of the roasted potatoes cooked with cheese, yellow cheese, onion and garlic, of Smilian beans, of Rhodopi cheese pastry, of hominy and of rice-stuffed well-cooked cabbage leaves.
History of the Region
The Rhodopi mountain conceals many secrets. This fabulous and mythical mountain is a real challenge to modern Bulgarian archeologists and historians. Many of the settlements here are over three thousand years old and they are located on its steep slopes.
