Todorov Den: The Horse Races

It's a good feeling to say that the past couple of weeks have been good.  I'm 98.6% sure that the "Bulgarian Winter Blues" are finished.  

Spring has been in full effect the past few days.  A week ago today was a low of 5°F and today's low is 50°F.  I'm definitely over the winter business.

This past Saturday was Todorov Den in Bulgaria.  Toodorov Den is one of the biggest celebrations in my village.  People from all over the region come to the village to watch the horse races. 

The events began in the square around 1030 in the morning and lasted all day!  I had five guests come to stay with me and we had a great time.  Last year I missed the races because of a Peace Corps function and was so happy to be there this year.

After the introduction at the square, everyone made their way up a hill to where the races would be held.  A group of us staked out and I had my friends with fancy cameras around to take the good pictures!

There was definitely a party going on at the races.  There were trucks loaded with food, snacks and beer.  Groups of people were grilling meat and had food stands set up.  The sun was out, the weather was great and it was seriously one of the best days I’ve had in the nearly two years I’ve lived here! The only downside was the toilets. Or lack of. But don't worry, we were at the edge of the forest...

View of the square from the Culture Center

Babas on a bench

Nadia in traditional dress

Babas dancing

My friends dad - we like taking pictures of him without him knowing!

Horse racing - the horses feet aren't even on the ground!

Horse racing

Horse Racing

We had an apple core and a stick. Here I am destroying the apple mid-air!