Once-in-a-lifetime-level amazing experience - I wonder if the creators of this festival had any idea how deeply and powerfully the bulgarian people would respond. It's impossible to describe the variety and creativity and beauty of just thousands of representations of traditional ethnic outfits from different regional cultures, large and small, and periods in history. The dancing and music were incredibly beautiful and fun. Many were not like anything i'd ever seen or heard before. Lots of fantastic food and happy people. My guide Chris arranged a traditional outfit for me and helped me overcome a few logistical problems--he just wouldn't give up! He's a sweet person with a lot of interesting and fascinating information about all of it. Spending the day with him at the festival and walking through gorgeous historic Zheravna was a fantastic experience. If you're lucky enough to book a place to stay during the festival time -- i stayed in Sliven about an hour away -- then do yourself a favor and get Chris to be your guide to an unforgettable experience!