Shiroka Laka Village
Smolyan
Shiroka Laka is a traditional village located in the central Rhodope Mountains of southern Bulgaria, recognized as an architectural and folklore reserve. The village is renowned for its authentic Rhodopean houses, characterized by two-storey designs with oriels, built-in cupboards, and small cellars with hiding places. These houses are arranged in tiers along both banks of the local river, featuring thick white walls that enclose small slab-covered yards with stone drinking fountains. Notable houses belong to the Zgurov, Uchikov, and Grigorov families. The village hosts the Church of the Holy Mother of God, constructed in 1834 in just 38 days according to legend, which contains an authentic iconostasis possibly painted by the apprentices or the brothers Dimitar and Zahari Zograf. Another church, the Church of St Nicholas, also resides in the village. Shiroka Laka is a cultural hub famous for its singing tradition and the local kaba gaida bagpipe. It is home to many prominent Rodopi musicians and hosts a secondary school for folklore songs and instruments, established in 1972, which has produced notable graduates such as Neli Andreeva and Georgi Andreev. The village also celebrates the Pesponedelnik kukeri carnival on the first Sunday of March, where locals dress as folklore monsters to drive away evil spirits.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Shiroka Laka is during the Pesponedelnik kukeri festival on the first Sunday of March to experience the vibrant traditional carnival. Visitors are advised to explore the village's architectural reserve on foot to fully appreciate the unique Rhodopean houses and local churches. Booking guided tours or tickets for the folklore school performances in advance can enhance the experience. Discounts may be available for students and groups. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain and check local opening hours for churches and museums.
Faits intéressants
- •The Church of the Holy Mother of God in Shiroka Laka was reportedly built in just 38 days.
- •The village is famous for its traditional Rhodopean houses featuring built-in cupboards and secret cellars.
- •Shiroka Laka hosts one of Bulgaria's best-known kukeri carnivals called Pesponedelnik, where locals wear folklore monster costumes to ward off evil spirits.
- •The secondary school for folklore arts in Shiroka Laka, founded in 1972, is renowned for training prominent Bulgarian folk musicians and dancers.
Histoire
Shiroka Laka has a rich history as a center of Rhodopean culture and architecture.
The village's traditional houses were built by local master builders in a distinctive style that has been preserved over centuries.
The Church of the Holy Mother of God was constructed in 1834, symbolizing the community's religious devotion.
In 1972, the establishment of a secondary school for folklore arts marked a significant cultural milestone, fostering the preservation and promotion of Bulgarian folk music and dance.
Over time, the village has maintained its status as an architectural and folklore reserve, preserving its unique heritage amidst the natural beauty of the Rhodopes.
Guide du lieu
Traditional Rhodopean Houses
Explore the village's unique two-storey houses with oriels, built-in cupboards, and small cellars with hiding places, showcasing authentic Rhodopean architecture.
Church of the Holy Mother of God1834
A historic Eastern Orthodox church built in 1834, featuring an authentic iconostasis possibly painted by apprentices or the brothers Dimitar and Zahari Zograf.
Secondary School for Folklore Arts1972
Founded in 1972, this specialized school offers education in Bulgarian folk singing, instruments (kaba gaida, gadulka, tambura, kaval), and dance, fostering local cultural traditions.
Pesponedelnik Kukeri Festival
An annual carnival held on the first Sunday of March where locals dress as folklore monsters with wooden swords and bells to drive away evil spirits and celebrate tradition.