Fire dancing is one of the oldest Bulgarian traditions, which in the past was practiced in Aegean Thrace, and today is preserved only in a few villages in Strandja Mountain – Bulgari, Kosti, Brodilovo. According to some researchers ritual roots lie in pagan past of this land and derived from the cult of the sun in the Thracians.
The dance barefoot on coals is unique tradition performed by certain communities whose patrons are St. St. Konstantin and Elena. Although dancing is associated with perennial ritual practices, its peak time is on 3 June (old style) when the feast of the two saints.
Ancestral fire-dancers from village Bulgari will take part in the festival WakeUp! Bulgaria in 2016.
