News Events January News Years Day & Kukeri Processions (Razlog): 1st – This is a big celebration across Bulgaria. In Razlog people dress up in hairy costumes and scary masks and dance to drum beats. This is meant to warn off evil spirits and bad omens. Christmas Old Style (Dobarsko): 6th & 7th – A celebration for female carol singers of the area.   March & April Todorovden Horse Races at Dobrinishte & Katarino (Razlog area): 1st Saturday in Lent The Great Easter Service (Bansko): Easter Thursday & Sunday – Enormous celebrations, services and street processions May Celebrations of Bansko Traditions (Bansko): 17th to 24th July llinden (Pirin Region): 20th or last Sunday of the month – Services at Churches named after Elijah and civic events throughout the region. Football Matches (Bansko): Date to be confirmed – Staff from Hotels and Mehanas take part in a friendly football competition. Rock Festival (Bansko): Date to be confirmed – This is organised by the Tanne Hotel. August Best of Bulgaria (Bansko): 5th to 14th – Producers from all over the country meet in the main square for this National Fair. International Jazz festival (Bansko): 8th to 13th – World renowned musicians from all over, perform at this famous festival. For more information see Bansko – What to See. Pirin Sings Folk Festival (Predel): Nearest Weekend to 15th – A large festival involving fans and societies from every conceivable town and village, strutting their stuff in celebration of music from the Pirin region. September Bansko Art Festival (Bansko): 10th – A yearly art festival that features live music performances from a range of genres, performances of Bansko customs, Ceramic exhibition, Water Colour Exhibition and Cuisines from around the world. Start of the new School Year (Bulgaria): 15th Celebrations for Bulgaria’s Independence (Bulgaria): 22nd October Bansko Day (Bansko): 5th - 8th – Big celebrations through the town. Male choirs singing throughout the town. Feast day of St John (Rila): 19th – Held in the Rila Monastery. Many Bansko townsfolk attend this celebration. December Poets with Guitars (Bansko): 7th – A concert held in honour of Nikola Vaptsarov. Opening of the Ski Season (Bansko): Due to be 15th – This is a big celebration. Usually a famous skier or celebrity hosts the official opening. Christmas Celebrations (Bansko and Pirin Region): 24th & 25th New Years Eve Celebrations (Bansko and Pirin Region): 31st