site.btaBolhrad Regional Centre for Bulgarian Culture Turns 25

The regional centre for Bulgarian culture (RCBC) in the Ukrainian city of Bolhrad turned 25. From both a historical and contemporary standpoint, the city is believed to be a centre of the Bulgarian community in Ukraine. RCBC functions under the department of culture, nationalities, religion and protection of cultural heritage sites in Odessa Oblast, and is financed by the regional budget.

RCBC’s Director, Galina Ivanova, said in a BTA interview that the centre has been awarded each year for contributing to the protection of the Bessarabian Bulgarians’ culture, mother tongue and traditions, as well as for promoting moral values among the young generation of Bulgarians.

Ivanova said that RCBC’s main activities are related to education, science and methodology and cultural research. This is manifested, above all, in promoting the Bulgarian culture and language, reviving Bulgarian traditions and rites. “As a form of work, we have chosen festivals, art exhibitions, contests and meetings with various science and culture figures. A children’s folklore ensemble also functions at the centre,” she said.  

A total of 12 books have been published on RCBC’s initiative in the past 20 years, including the Bulgarian Bessarabia collection.

The centre has managed to revive some Bulgarian holidays in Bolgrad and the surrounding region, such as Trifon Zarezan (in honor of Saint Tryphon), St. George’s Day and St. Nicholas Day.

Educational courses in Bulgarian language, culture and history of the Bulgarian people have been held at the centre for years. The RCBC also has one of the biggest libraries with Bulgarian classics. The admission of local students into Bulgarian universities serves as proof of the successful educational programmes.

In the past 25 years, the RCBC has been involved in broad cooperation with State and non-governmental organizations from Ukraine and Bulgaria.

During its existence, the centre managed to become a focal point for Bulgarian culture and revival in Bessarabia, Galina Ivanova said.