Culture in Sapareva Banya
Churches
You can visit many churches and chapels in Sapareva Banya. Directly in the town, there is the Church of 40 Martyrs dated by 1859, whose altar has been shaped by known woodcarver Stanislav Dospevski. Also in the town of Sapareva Banya is the Byzantine church of Saint Nicholas. The original foundation of this church dates to the XIII century, later on it has been several times renovated.In the park surrounding the church, you can see an assembly of ancient monuments, including the original bath, found during the archeological digs of the Roman ruins of the ancient city of Germanea. Now the church is in the process of reconstruction.
In the village of Resilovo there is a Monastery of Divine Mother, which was constructed in 1927 by a rich widow of a seaman gone in Black sea. It is one of the few female monasteries functioning in Bulgaria, opened for daily visits. Every year, on the first of October is celibrated the holiday of the Monastery. Now is conducted the reconstruction of the courtyard and gardens.
The church of Divine Mother in the village of Saparevo is located on a hilltop above the center. The legend says that to one of local residents in the dream came an angel and told about the treasure buried on the nearby slope. The treasure was precisely in that place, as it was shown in dream. In gratitude, was constructed church which till the present day is considered to be the biggest in the area. The building of church is unique for its four inner columns ornamented with gilded images of animals.
Craft Manufacture
The most known craft manufacture in the area is the exquisite needlework created by the Bulgarian women. Magnificent pattern decorating national suits is seen on table cloths, carpets and wall hangings. You can see and buy samples of these works in Tourist Information centre.
Houses, restaurants and cafe reflect specificity of the Bulgarian architecture, styles and methods. Local masters-masons combine river stone and slate with the forged iron and wood, creating magnificent gardens and internal patios. In the house of Doctor Marinov there is a big assembly of works made of wood from across Bulgaria. Within more than 40 years, doctor assembled this collection and now with pleasure exhibits its to groups of tourists organized via Information Centre.
Local Artists
The Artists Guild of Sapareva Banya is composed of accomplished artist and poets. Poets Mihael Kaldrumov, Vessela Gyviiskà, and Antonia Mitsova are all respected local authors. The painters Vassil Koritarov, Vassil Krapchanski and Radostine Angelokov are still producing fine landscapes and portraits. You can see their works in Cultural Center of Sapareva Banya.
Traditions and Festivals
In Sapareva Banya are celibrated the following festivals:
January 1st - Kykeri Festival. Large frightening costumes, adorned with horns and bells are worn by dancers. People believe that the loud singing and dancing is brings good fortune for the New Year.
August 15th - The Celebration of the Divine Mother. Within the Municipality there are two churches and a monastery devoted to the Divine Mother and all celebrate this day with large pots of stew made by the churches for their parishioners.
40 days before Orthodox Easter - Todorov Day. This is the celebration of Saint Theodore. On this day it is tradition for young men from all of the villages to compete in horse races.
August 19th - The Celebration of the Dunovites. This is the yearly celebration of the followers of Peter Dunov, the Bulgarian Christian spiritualist. Each year hundreds of his followers dress in white, dance in large concentric circles and sing songs praising the Sun and the Earth. Respectful spectators are welcomed.