Rose Festival Kazanlak

Name: Rose Festival Kazanlak
Start: 2025-05-31
Location: Kazanlak

A Celebration of Fragrance, Color, and Tradition in Bulgaria’s Valley of Roses

2026/05/31 - 2026/06/06

Every June, the town of Kazanlak in central Bulgaria is transformed by the world-renowned Rose Festival, filling the region with blossoms and joy. Against a backdrop of endless pink rose fields, this festival is a feast for all five senses. Everyone is captivated by the rose harvest and the beauty of traditions passed down through generations. Picking dew-laden rose petals at dawn, joining lively parades, and tasting rose-infused sweets—these dreamlike experiences await you here.

The soft touch of morning dew on rose petals, the rhythms of folk music, and the sweet scent of rosewater filling the air—Kazanlak’s Rose Festival is a celebration where people of all ages and backgrounds can fully experience the charm of Bulgaria’s most iconic flower.

Main Attractions

Rose Queen Coronation Ceremony

The highlight of the festival is the Rose Queen coronation. Local young women compete for the title, and the chosen Queen is crowned amid music, dancing, and enthusiastic applause. The Rose Queen serves as the symbol of beauty and tradition, leading parades and presiding over various events.

Parades & Folk Performances

The main streets come alive with floats decorated in roses, dancers in embroidered costumes, and bands playing traditional music. Skirts swirl, drums echo, and the cheers of thousands of spectators fill the town with excitement.

Rose Picking Experience

The rose picking experience at dawn is a popular event where both locals and visitors participate. The cool morning air is filled with the scent of roses, and the gentle act of picking petals by hand connects you to a tradition that has been passed down for generations.

Craft Markets & Rose Oil Workshops

During the festival, craft markets and workshops abound. You can watch rose distillation demonstrations, sample and try products made with rose oil, and enjoy exhibitions of Bulgarian folk crafts—experiencing the artistry and beauty of local craftsmanship.

Traditional Food & Drink

Local specialties such as banitsa (cheese pastry), grilled meats, and rose-flavored sweets, rose liqueur, and rose lemonade are all must-tries. The aroma of freshly baked bread, roasting meat, and sweet roses fills the festival grounds.

Cultural and Historical Background

The history of rose cultivation in Kazanlak dates back to the early 18th century, when large-scale Damask rose growing began in what is now called the Valley of Roses, during the Ottoman era. The region’s climate—marked by significant temperature differences between day and night, fertile soil, and adequate rainfall—proved ideal for rose farming.

By the 19th century, rose oil extracted from the petals was being exported to Europe and the Ottoman Empire, and Kazanlak became known as one of the world’s leading centers of rose oil production. Rose oil, called “liquid gold,” was highly valued as a base for perfumes, cosmetics, and medicines.

The Rose Festival itself began in the early 20th century as a small local event to celebrate the rose harvest. It gradually expanded, and by the 1930s, it had become a major town-wide festival. The event honors the hard work and traditions of rose farmers, and has become a symbol of Kazanlak’s identity and the development of the regional economy.

Today, the Rose Festival is not just a harvest celebration but also a showcase of Bulgarian culture, beauty, and international exchange, attracting over 100,000 visitors each year. Through rose picking, the Rose Queen coronation, and traditional music and dance, the pride and history of the region are passed on to new generations.

Participant Voices

"I visited the Kazanlak Rose Festival last June. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in the sweet scent of roses. The Rose Queen coronation and traditional music were moving, and the early morning rose picking was so peaceful and beautiful—it made me feel deeply connected to the local culture."

Fun Facts

Kazanlak is known as the “City of Roses” and produces over 70% of the world’s rose oil.
The rose oil produced here is used as a key ingredient in luxury perfumes worldwide.
The festival features the tradition of selecting a Rose Queen, symbolizing beauty and the rose itself.

Festival Dates

The Rose Festival Kazanlak is held every year in early June in Kazanlak, Bulgaria. For the latest dates and details, please check the official tourism website.

The event schedule is subject to change. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.