Dobarsko’s Grannies are a tourist attraction

Photo: Veneta Nikolova

The village of Dobarsko enjoys a tourist invasion. Local houses have been turned into cozy family hotels and guests are welcomed there.

Veneta Nikolova

Foreigners taste the joys of natural rural life in the village, which is surrounded by three mountains – Rila, Pirin and the Rhodope one. They may enjoy the fresh air, green views and preserved local customs and lifestyle. The grannies of the village have turned into its… emblem.

 Photo: Veneta Nikolova

The center of the village is full with people at noon. A bus has brought another tourist crowd and the tour guide takes them straight to the St. Theodore Stratelates basilica. The folk formation of Dobarsko’s grandmothers has already gathered there. About a dozen of women, dressed in traditional folk costumes welcome the guests with homemade round loaf, honey and savory. After the greetings suddenly the old women start to sing a folk song. Then they start a chain dance, surprising the foreigners with their agile movements and inviting them to join the traditional dance. Many of the guests respond to the invitation and try to learn the steps of the chain dance, while making funny mistakes.

© Photo: Veneta Nikolova

      

The sun always shines in Dobarsko. Every guest is welcomed with an open heart and in a good mood. The small village, situated near the overcrowded mountainous resort of Bansko is a desired destination for skiers in winter and for nature fans in summer. Everyone can pre-arrange a meeting with local folklore via Dobarsko’s grandmothers. They are just like soldiers, always ready to respond to each invitation for a show that can take place not only in the village’s square, but also in the hotels of Bansko, where they charm foreign tourists with their great repertoire.

© Photo: Veneta Nikolova

       

Usually the grandmas present customs, songs and chain dances, typical for the region. The women are also very witty. They tell funny stories and legends in a very artistic manner, enjoying the audience’s applause. In the meantime they guide the group of Dobarsko’s girls, who rehearse at the local community center with the idea to continue an old tradition.

© Photo: Veneta Nikolova

 

After the warm welcome of the Dobarsko’s grandmothers, the tourists usually head for the other attraction of the village – the St. Theodore Stratelates basilica. The church was built in 1614 and is known far beyond our borders with its unique 400-year-old murals and frescoes, drawn by an unknown master. Experts claim that the images surprisingly resemble the Florentine masterpieces of pre-Renaissance artist Giotto.

Photo: V.Nikolova

  The famous fresco of the St. Theodore Stratelates basilica

 However, the thing that astonishes most the visitors is the most famous mural of the temple – the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ. The Savior is drawn there in a space ship, ready to take off with clearly visible stratosphere and cosmic space as a background! No mistake. Everyone can go and see this in the church. Then he or she can enjoy some fresh air, full with the odor of forest flowers along the mountainous paths nearby. Many people are charmed by this place that has remained untouched by modern reality. In such case the village has a thing or two to offer to its guests – most of the houses here have guest rooms and some of the houses are even turned into cozy family hotels. Those offer tasty homemade traditional meals and an opportunity to enjoy the preserved local traditions. At the same time the grandmothers mentioned above will take care of your good mood. BNR

English version: Zhivko Stanchev 

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