LAVENDER FIELDS

Bulgaria is a major exporter of lavender oil. The favorable climate and specific soils make the country one of the best producers of lavender. Lavender oil has many benefits and is used in pharmacy, cosmetics, or aromatherapy.

The first information on the treatment of lavender in Bulgaria dates back to 1905. To obtain 1 kg of lavender oil, at least 100 kg of flowers are necessary. Its extraction lasts about 2 hours. For the quality of the oil, in addition to the technology, it is important that the flowers have flowered and harvested in sunny weather at noon and that the distillation is carried out as soon as possible after harvest. It is therefore that the distillery is close to the plantations.

Near the town of Karlovo are the most purple fields in Bulgaria with the fragrant plant. The flower has conquered the whole region and covers more than 5,000 hectares. One of the greatest Bulgarian traditions takes place here – the lavender festival. Each year the date is set in advance according to the weather.

We offer you a little virtual walk to share with you the beauty of this aromatic plant and make you travel despite the current circumstances.

The lavender festival in Karlovo begins early in the morning in the lavender fields. Girls in traditional costumes welcome guests with bread and salt and give a sprig of lavender. Kukeri (costumed Bulgarian men who perform traditional rituals to scare away evil spirits) and groups of Bulgarian singers, dressed in their traditional outfits, delight in their rhythms. The ancient ritual “Lavender harvest” is reproduced there. This ritual marks the beginning of the harvest of the aromatic herb. It has deep roots associated with beliefs in the miraculous healing and loving power of herbs, in the vital power of water, and in the ordinances of sun worship.

From the lavender fields, the party continues in one of the old houses of the city with demonstrations to see how to boil the lavender flower and then obtain lavender oil. The “Pateva House” is thus called the house of flowers and herbs, it is part of the architectural tourist complex “Old Karlovo”. The lavender fairy welcomes guests there. Throughout the festival, Bulgarian manufacturers will exhibit their products. A rich program of folk songs and dances is organized. Groups of amateurs, in national costumes, present different rites of country life.

Do not hesitate to contact us to find out the dates and organize your stay in Bulgaria. There are packages with a visit to the lavender fields, meeting with the owner of the garden, demonstration of the extraction of lavender oil, and tasting of lavender tea.

The program can be combined with a visit to the Thracian tombs in the region, the city of Kazanlak and the history of the Bulgarian rose, or even see an abandoned Soviet treasure in Bulgaria.

Discover our suggestions for trips to Kazanlak and the valley of the Thracian kings:

The Greater Balkan, Self-drive tour 6 Days – here

Culture & Traditions, Self-drive tour 8 Days – here

Highlights of Bulgaria, Self-drive tour 10 Days – here

Group tour, Highlights of Bulgaria – here