Bulgaria’s Peony Blossom Celebration Ushers in a Season of Culture and Tradition
Bulgaria, Indonesianpost.com – Reported by Antara, The “Peony Blossom Celebration: A Springtime Cultural Gathering” was held on May 17 in Sofia’s South Park, drawing hundreds of visitors from across Bulgaria to celebrate the beauty of spring. The event, attended by representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia Municipality, Chelopech Municipality, the Sofia municipal company “Parks and Urban Gardens,” and the China Cultural Center in Sofia, became a vibrant showcase of cultural heritage and floral elegance.
Co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria and the Publicity Department of the CPC Heze Municipal Committee, the celebration brought Chinese culture to life with immersive photo exhibitions and interactive cultural experiences focused on peonies. The charitable initiative, supported by the “For Our Children” Foundation, attracted enthusiastic public participation, with books donated by the embassy and peony-themed cultural products from Heze drawing significant attention.
The stunning display of peony-themed photography blended seamlessly with the park’s blooming peonies, offering visitors a chance to admire the diverse varieties of the flower while learning about its deep cultural significance in China. Attendees enjoyed peony-infused tea and delicacies, explored intricately embroidered Hanfu garments adorned with peony motifs, and marveled at artisanal creations such as peony porcelain, wheat-straw art, wood carvings, and woven rope peonies. Fun-filled activities, including peony painting workshops and trivia sessions, added to the celebratory atmosphere.
“Peonies symbolize nobility, prosperity, and happiness, embodying values of harmony and shared beauty that resonate deeply with the Bulgarian people,” said Sofia Deputy Mayor Nikola Barbutov, delivering a message from Mayor Vasil Terziev. The mayor praised the event as a reflection of the richness of Chinese culture, emphasizing its role in fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, and friendship between the two nations.
The event also marked a milestone in China-Bulgaria relations. As part of a project commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, 700 peony plants from Heze were transplanted to Sofia’s South Park, Plovdiv Cultural Park, and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences’ Botanical Garden in 2024. Now blooming in Bulgaria, each peony blossom symbolizes friendship and peace between the two countries.
Wang Min, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria, described the event as a celebration of friendship and beauty. She expressed her hope that Heze’s peonies would continue to thrive in Bulgaria, serving as lasting symbols of cultural exchange and emotional connection between the nations.
Milena Vaseva, Director of Sofia’s “Parks and Urban Gardens,” shared her recent experience visiting Heze, praising the city’s peony industry, which integrates cultivation, trade, and full-plant utilization. She spoke fondly of Heze’s peony gardens, which blend horticulture with cultural festivities, and expressed optimism for continued collaboration to ensure Sofia’s peonies flourish. (BL)