Kazanlak in Bloom: Celebrating Roses with a Festival Over a Century Old

Every year in early June, the town of Kazanlak transforms into the fragrant capital of roses during its renowned Rose Festival. The tradition dates back to 1903, when locals first gathered to honor the flower, the fertility of the land, and the beauty of their region. It was a way to give thanks for the livelihood provided by rose oil production in the Valley of Roses.

Today, the festival preserves the most essential parts of those ancient rituals, celebrating the joy of the rose harvest and the warm hospitality of the people of Kazanlak.
The celebrations begin in the first week of June. On Friday, the city marks its official holiday — Kazanlak Day — when the newly elected Rose Queen is crowned. This launches a three-day extravaganza filled with cultural and folkloric events.

The highlights come on Sunday, with the ceremonial rose picking and a rose-distillation demonstration that showcases the traditional way of producing rose oil. The festivities conclude with the grand Carnival Parade — Bulgaria’s largest street carnival, featuring vibrant costumes, music, and dancing.