Vigenin in Karlovo: The Bulgarian rose is not just an industry, but part of our culture and national identity

Bulgarian MEP from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament Kristian Vigenin took part in the Rose Festival celebrations in Karlovo. He joined the traditional rose-picking ritual in the rose fields near the town, where the new Rose Queen, Elena Dzhakova, received the crown from her predecessor.

The festive programme brought together residents and guests of Karlovo. Guests were welcomed in the old Bulgarian way with bread and spiced salt, and folk ensembles and kukeri groups from the municipality took part in the ritual and accompanying events.

The Rose Festival in Karlovo

The official part of the festival began with greetings from the Mayor of Karlovo, Emil Kabaivanov, and the new Rose Queen. Guests included the Ambassador of Japan to Bulgaria, H.E. Chikahisa Sumi, and Kiyoshi Oshima, Mayor of Ina in Saitama Prefecture, Karlovo’s twin town in Japan.

“I was impressed by the atmosphere of the festival and by the performance of the Rose Valley dance ensemble of the Vasil Levski 1861 community centre. I also had the chance to meet some of the former Rose Queens, who continue to work together on charitable causes and to be ambassadors of Karlovo and Bulgarian traditions,” Vigenin said.

The challenges facing rose growing

The MEP pointed out that behind the festive mood there are also real challenges for rose growing, which he is working on in the European Parliament. “Just days ago we finished the revision of the Cosmetics Regulation, on which I was rapporteur for the Socialists. We managed to protect Bulgarian industry and ease the requirements on producers of cosmetic products, including products made from rose oil and other essential oils,” he said.

In his words, the Bulgarian rose deserves more visibility and support at European level. “I plan to present Bulgarian rose growing in Brussels, to show that it is not just an industry, but part of our culture, traditions and customs. That is why I have invited the new Rose Queen to take part in this event and to be an ambassador and champion of the Bulgarian rose over the coming year,” Vigenin said.