Vasilitsa 2026 in Veliko Tarnovo: Traditions and Culture

The celebrations of the Roma New Year – Vasilitsa continued this year with a series of festive visits in Veliko Tarnovo. At the invitation and with the support of the Amalipe Center, students from schools that are part of the organization’s network visited key institutions, where they presented the traditional Bango Vasil custom through songs, blessings, and survakane (ritual tapping with decorated branches).

The meetings were held in a spirit of mutual respect, dialogue, and the sharing of cultural values, highlighting the significance of the holiday as a symbol of hope, health, and well-being.

Students from St. Kliment Ohridski Secondary School in the village of Kamen, Strazhitsa Municipality, visited the Regional Administration – Veliko Tarnovo on the occasion of the celebration of the Roma New Year – Vasilitsa. The school is part of the network of the Amalipe Center, and the visit turned into a true celebration of tolerance, traditions, and cultural diversity.

The students were welcomed by the Regional Governor, Yulia Likomanova-Mutafchieva, who extended her warm wishes to the children and their families. She emphasized the significance of Vasilitsa as a symbol of faith, hope, and the aspiration for health and well-being, and encouraged the children to continue preserving the authenticity of their way of life and culture, their temperament, and their love of life.

Eight students from the first and third grades presented the colorful Bango Vasil tradition, showcasing the richness of Roma folklore. They sang, recited in both Bulgarian and Romani, and offered blessings for health and good fortune, performing the traditional survakane ritual with cornelian cherry branches. The meeting concluded with many smiles, as the Regional Governor and the administration staff delighted the children with sweets and souvenirs.

The Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior – Veliko Tarnovo hosted six students from the 9th and 10th grades, specializing in Restaurant Management, from Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov Vocational High School of Tourism and Food Technologies in Gorna Oryahovitsa. A representative of the Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance “Amalipe” extended festive greetings to the management and staff of the Regional Directorate and expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and the opportunity for the students to become acquainted with the institution’s daily work, as well as to present elements of Roma folklore.

It was emphasized that sustainable cooperation between institutions and the educational community is of key importance, as it builds trust, encourages the active participation of young people, and supports their informed and safe development. Such meetings strengthen mutual confidence, promote dialogue, and demonstrate to young people that public institutions are accessible, open, and genuinely committed to their future.

The meeting took place in a friendly and festive atmosphere. The students presented the symbolism of the survaknitsa and performed the traditional survakane ritual, offering wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity. They also delivered a specially prepared message related to the work of the Ministry of Interior and presented a handmade ceremonial bread (pitka) as a sign of respect and appreciation.

We extend our sincere thanks to the team of the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior – Veliko Tarnovo for the warm welcome, hospitality, and shared festive spirit.

Students from St. Kliment Ohridski Secondary School in the village of Kamen, Strazhitsa Municipality, paid a visit to the Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo. They were welcomed by the Mayor of Veliko Tarnovo, Daniel Panov, before whom they presented the traditional Bango Vasil custom. Through songs, blessings, and the survakane ritual, the students conveyed wishes for health, prosperity, and a successful year.

The festive meeting took place in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. By presenting Roma traditions, the children highlighted the significance of Vasilitsa as a celebration of hope, respect, and cultural diversity.

 

Subsequently, the same students were also received by Rositsa Dimitrova, Director of the Department of Social Policies, Healthcare, and Transport at the Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo. Together with her colleagues, she welcomed the children, who once again presented the Bango Vasil tradition through songs, recitations, blessings, and the survakane ritual, sharing elements of Roma folklore and conveying wishes for health and happiness to all those present.

 

 

 

Students from Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov Vocational High School of Tourism and Food Technologies in Gorna Oryahovitsa, specializing in Restaurant Management, met with the team of the Regional Department of Education – Veliko Tarnovo. A representative of the Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance “Amalipe” extended festive greetings to the management and staff of the Regional Department and expressed appreciation for the opportunity provided for the students to become acquainted with the institution’s activities. It was emphasized that such meetings build trust, encourage dialogue, and demonstrate to young people that educational institutions are open, accessible, and committed to their future.

The students presented the symbolism of the survaknitsa and performed the traditional survakane ritual, offering wishes for health and abundance. They also delivered a specially prepared message related to the work of the Regional Department of Education, accompanied by a handmade ceremonial bread (pitka) as a gift.

The students were welcomed with exceptional warmth and hospitality, received gifts, and had the opportunity to ask questions about the organization of the school system, the role of the Regional Department of Education, and educational policies. The meeting took place in a festive and warm atmosphere, with a strong emphasis on the importance of dialogue between young people and institutions.

The Regional Health Inspectorate – Veliko Tarnovo opened its doors to students from Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov Vocational High School of Tourism and Food Technologies in Gorna Oryahovitsa. On behalf of the Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance “Amalipe” and the school, festive greetings were extended to the management and staff of the Inspectorate, along with gratitude for the opportunity for the students to become acquainted with the institution’s work. It was emphasized that such meetings build trust, encourage dialogue, and demonstrate to young people that institutions are open, accessible, and genuinely concerned about their future.

The students presented the symbolism of the survaknitsa and performed the traditional survakane ritual, offering wishes for health, prosperity, and abundance. They also delivered a specially prepared message tailored to the work of the Inspectorate, accompanied by a handmade ceremonial bread (pitka) as a gesture of respect.

The meeting took place in a warm and festive atmosphere. The children received gifts and educational materials on current health topics and had the opportunity to ask questions about the role and functions of the Regional Health Inspectorate.

On January 17, 2026, the Amalipe Center organized a celebration for Vasilitsa – the Roma New Year at Club “Tam” in Veliko Tarnovo, the well-known Art Café famous across Bulgaria. Guests joined us not only from Veliko Tarnovo but from across the country. We are especially pleased that we were able to reach people beyond our regular network. The event was hosted and co-organized by youth volunteer Didko Dimitrov, with co-organization support from our Community Development Expert Valeri Angelov.

We were honored by the presence of the renowned Roma writer Atanas Atanasov “Vakafliya”, who traveled all the way from Ustrem to perform the song “Djelem, Djelem”, read one of his stories in both Bulgarian and Romani, and share excerpts from his new book “Tell Me, Life”. He also donated all proceeds from the books sold at the event to the “I Want to Study” Fund.

Attendees enjoyed traditional Roma cuisine while listening to live music performed by the Amalipe – Pavlikeni Orchestra. Our festive table was specially prepared by Valeri and Atanas according to traditional Roma recipes. The Amalipe Center also showcased a photography exhibition of Roma life by the renowned photographer Aydin Chetin Oglu.

The Amalipe Center congratulated the owner of Club “Tam”, Galin Popov, on his birthday and presented him with an honorary certificate in recognition of all the support he has provided over the years.

The event was part of the larger initiative “Vasilitsa – Rebuilding Bridges Between Us”, organized nationwide by the Amalipe Center together with hundreds of schools, educational mediators, active youth, and local communities.