2. Розова Долина (The Rose Valley)
Just south of the Balkan mountains lies the Rose Valley, a place where roses are grown and harvested by hand by local women. Rose oil production is one of the trademarks of Bulgaria.
Roses Across The Sea
Roses Across The Sea was a live performance of Bulgarian and
Georgian folk dances & songs as part of the 6th GORANA International Dance festival.
The rose is the national flower of both Bulgaria and Georgia, as well as the state
flower of New York. Roses were an integrative part of the performance as decoration
and props in some dances.
It might well be said of this beautiful flower, that nature has exhausted herself in trying to lavish on it the freshness of beauty, form, perfume, brilliancy, and grace.
— Charlotte de la Tour
In everything from mythology and literature to religion and politics, the rose has been prized for its beauty and continues to be strongly associated as the most symbolically rich flower. The red rose is the queen of all roses with its symbolism for passion, deep desire and romantic love dating back to ancient times. The white rose is associated with reverence, truth and new beginnings like marriage. The pink rose is associated with admiration, gentleness, elegance, sweetness and happiness.
In Bulgaria, the rose is often found in embroideries and local art. Every June, local Bulgarian communities in the Rose Valley organize the Rose Festival with the Rose Queen contest. On the coronation day, the whole city flows to the streets where the Rose Parade is held. A group of men carry the Rose Queen who is wreathed in pink and showers guests with petals. As a rule, the holiday ends in the late evening with a big "horo" line dance in which everyone takes part.
Date:
Sunday, October 22, 2023 (4:00 PM - 5:30 PM)
Location:
Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan
(334 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023)