Култура

I'll tell you a story. A story that in the hectic age of electronic media, of the Internet, of wars, of murders and atrocities will sound like a fairy tale to you. But it is real and very real. A true story of real people gathered by their love of folk art. A story about real people who spread and glorify Bulgarian folk songs and dances all over our country. And out of it.
You may already be eager to hear the names of these people. I wouldn't want to list them by name. And I can't. I'm sure they don't either. Their name is FANPT "Chepino". I will tell of the summer appearances of these amateurs to convince you that their work is pleasing. And patriotic. It all started on July 6, 2003. with the Velingrad cultural celebrations. The singers and actors from Chepino Ensemble entertained the citizens and guests of Velingrad for about an hour and a half. Moments in which everyone felt satisfied and somehow forgot about the thousands of cares. In just an hour and a half, the people relaxed their souls and enjoyed the original Bulgarian chant. They left with brighter faces. And as if better.
The same was repeated the next day in Rakitovo, where the ensemble performed a concert for the celebration of the city. In the center of Rakitovo, there were some people, lit up with smiles.
And that's not all... The Chepino amateurs continued their patriotic work, marking the 100th anniversary of the Ilinden-Preobrazhenie Uprising with their participation in Ruse on July 19. The citizens of Ruse were pleasantly surprised by the specific sound of the soloists' voices, by the songs and dances typical of the Chepin region, where the sad Pirin song and the heavy Pirin people seemed to have transferred with the migrants from Pirin Macedonia. The citizens of Ruse appreciated with loud applause the skills of the singers and dancers. And that's not all...
At the invitation of the Center for Culture in Bela Palanka, Serbia, on July 27, the ensemble crossed the border of Bulgaria with a mission to show the beauty of our folk art. For the two days stay, despite the heat, the amateurs gave two concerts. The audience, holding their breath, gazed with admiration at the art of the Bulgarians. And how proud these otherwise ordinary people of the Chepinska Ensemble were when from the height of the Serbian scene they could see the sparkling eyes of the Serbs and hear their applause. And they felt their noble envy. Did I say "Glorious"? Maybe... But the concerts of the Bulgarians united in one whole neighboring peoples and removed the borders between them. The power of the horo made them touch each other's shoulders and merge. And to become more human! And that's not all...
On August 2, the ensemble left for Bansko to join the Bansko people in the celebration of the Ilinden-Preobrazhenie Uprising. The anthem of Bulgaria brought to their feet those gathered in the Chalin Valog locality. They remained so while listening to the anthem of IMRO "Rise, dawn of freedom". The forest became silent when six priests from Bansko and the surrounding area, led by Nevrokop bishop Nathaniel, celebrated the panahida for the fallen known and unknown men and women for the liberation of Macedonia and the unification of Bulgaria. The forest was silent and wept. After the performance of the children from Bansko, the concert of Chepino Ensemble started. Ekaha songs, the dances played out the hearts of the assembled crowd. The performance ended with the song "You Bulgarians Together" and a heavy Macedonian horo. In fact, this is the message of the amateurs from Chepino Ensemble: all Bulgarians together to remember Bulgarianness. And keep it! For the ages.
The day was not over for the amateurs. From Bansko they went to Dorkovo to participate in the Fifth International Festival for Authentic Folklore. Fatigue could not overcome their will and desire to give joy. And they, with an unfailing smile, showed the thousandth audience what they could do. And they proved that art reincarnates man. And it makes it more real!
That's how this story started. In fact, it began half a century ago. It continues today. Now do you believe me? There are still people like that. And as long as they exist, so will the tale. A true tale, without end...
Maria Uscheva