Bansko is one of those places that have perfectly combined elements of history and modernity. Apart from wonderful winter views and excellent slopes, Bansko is also famous for its rich cultural heritage and richness of natural and historical landmarks.
Regardless of whether you have chosen Bansko for a winter or summer vacation, one of the most famous Bulgarian winter resorts certainly has something to offer to all types of tourists.
The fact is that Bansko offers a variety of places and activities for young and old.
Being born in Bansko is certainly a pride given the fact how many things the resort is famous for. Bansko offers many landmarks that are worth visiting by everyone.
In the region of Bansko you will find historical, natural and cultural landmarks of national importance. They are of interest to thousands of Bulgarian and foreign tourists every year.
If you choose Bansko as a destination for your next vacation, then you have a great opportunity to diversify your vacation with activities related to the old customs of the resort, which are from different eras.
What are the main things you should see in Bansko?
Folklore festivals
Various events are organized in Bansko, during which every curious traveler can learn many things about the history of Bansko and its way of life and culture. The program also includes various customs typical for the region of Bansko.
Among the atmosphere of the beautiful town square you can immerse yourself in the history of Bansko from the Renaissance period and learn interesting facts about this beautiful mountain town.
The old part of Bansko is one of the places where you can feel the Revival spirit of the city.
- Revival houses
- centuries-old architecture
- picturesque old narrow streets
- churches
- authentic taverns
all this, and much more, awaits you in the beautiful winter resort.
The Tourist Information Center of the Municipality of Bansko together with the Museum Complex – Bansko and “Nikola Vaptsarov-1894” center annually organizes a program that presents local traditions, folklore and customs from the region of Bansko. It is held in the period from June to September and during this period the city becomes a forum of Balkan culture.
The program called Cultural Evenings “Tradition and Art” includes a presentation of various typical Bansko crafts such as:
- carving
- creation of textile souvenirs
- embroidery of souvenirs
- spinning
- crochet
- wave twisting
- embroidery of tapestries and others.
All guests of the town of Bansko can get acquainted with authentic old crafts and customs from the region of Bansko.
In Velyanova House, which is one of the most famous Revival houses in Bansko and has been turned into a museum, you can watch live how old master craftsmen create their own creations, and also create something yourself and learn a craft with the help of masters from Bansko.
Here you can also get acquainted with authentic loom weaving, which is one of the main crafts of the ancient inhabitants of Bansko.
Concerts and celebrations in the mountain town are held on the occasion of the holiday of the town of Bansko, which is on October 5th.
Another interesting festival for tourists in Bansko is the summer theater festival, which takes place from 1 to 7 July. During this festival, the guests of the city are presented the most interesting performances of the year, in which star actors participate.
For jazz fans it would be interesting to attend the International Jazz Festival – Bansko Jazz Fest, which takes place in the central town square from 8 to 13 August.
This festival has already become one of the most important Bulgarian music events. World jazz performers and musicians take part in it.
Folk songs and dances
Another way to feel the authentic spirit of the old town of Bansko is to touch the local musical wealth of the region.
During the cultural program of Bansko all visitors to the city can hear authentic folk music and dances from the region of Bansko. Every spectator can hear performances by folk groups from the region of Bansko.
In Bansko are also organized lessons on playing musical instruments in the center “Nikola Vaptsarov”, where everyone can learn to play the bagpipe, tambourine. There are also lessons in folk dances and folk singing.
If you want to enjoy authentic folklore, do not miss one of the main events in the annual holiday program of the city is the festival “Between Three Mountains”. It is held together with the holidays of the Bansko tradition. More than 800 international singing and dancing ensembles take part in the festival.
Let’s not forget the “Pirin Sings” Folk Art Festival, which presents a variety of folklore performances by talented performers, wonderful folk dances and merry music. Here every visitor can see authentic costumes from the region of Bansko and enjoy authentic folk music.
Information tours
On the territory of Bansko are organized various tours to various interesting sites in the region:
- archeological sites
- museums
- houses-museums.
Those of you who love history should not miss the information tours of the museum complex of Bansko.
The tours are held to various interesting places such as the fortress Sitan Kale dating from the late antique period and the archeological complex “St. Nicholas”, which also hosts information tours.
For the youngest visitors of Bansko are offered interactive educational games “Children in the Museum”, which guarantee unforgettable moments for the kids.
Art
For art lovers Bansko offers various exhibitions. Here you can visit exhibitions of abstract art, photographic exhibitions, as well as get acquainted with authentic art creations from Bansko including paintings, tapestries, wood carvings, unique works of natural materials and metal sculptures.
Movie screenings
For cinema lovers Bansko offers information films related to the life and culture of Bansko.
Festive traditions
The festive program in Bansko is full of events throughout the year. If you want to learn more about the festive traditions of the old Bulgarians in Bansko, be sure to visit this picturesque mountain town.
The Christmas and New Year program of Bansko are one of the events that you should definitely not miss during your winter stay in the city.
Кукерски карнавал Kukeri’s Carnival
The Kukeri’s Carnival is one of the most famous traditional celebrations that Bansko is famous for. It is traditionally held every year on January 1. The International Kukeri’s Carnival is also held in Razlog.
Anyone who wants to join the New Year’s round dance of Bansko and feel the captivating magic of the Kukeri’s Carnival should not miss to visit this event.