Снимка от Националния събор на овцевъдите край Велико Търново.Многобройни посетители се разхождат на зелена поляна, сред шатри и търговски щандове.В дълбочина на снимката се вижда голяма шатра, в която се провеждат мероприятия.Някои хора седят на маси, покрити с чадъри.

Exciting Days at the Shepherds’ Festival near Veliko Tarnovo

The National Shepherds’ Festival of Bulgaria 2025 will take place on the meadows near the Petropavlovski Monastery, close to Lyaskovets and Veliko Tarnovo. The event will run from May 30 to June 1, offering visitors a unique blend of tradition, culture, and nature.

Accommodation for Festival Visitors

For a full experience, we recommend staying at the cozy Aleko Apartments in the heart of Veliko Tarnovo. Enjoy comfort and modern amenities while being within walking distance of the city’s historical landmarks and cultural attractions. After a full day immersed in nature and tradition, this is the perfect place to relax and recharge.

How to Get to the Festival?

The festival takes place on the spacious meadows near Petropavlovski Monastery, located between Lyaskovets and Veliko Tarnovo.

By car: From Veliko Tarnovo, follow the road to Lyaskovets. The monastery is clearly marked and offers convenient parking. Expect heavier traffic during the festival days, so early arrival is recommended.
Transport: Special shuttle buses will run from the center of Veliko Tarnovo to the festival site, making access easy for those without a car.

National Shepherds’ Festival 2025 – Highlights by Day

We’ve selected some of the most exciting events to help you navigate the program more easily. This is not a full list, but a curated selection of highlights you won’t want to miss – a great way to ensure you experience the most memorable moments of the festival.

May 30 (Friday)

12:00 – 12:30 – Official opening ceremony with greetings
10:00 – 19:00 – Sheep and shepherd product exhibition – cheese, yellow cheese, wool, and more
13:00 – 18:00 – Folk performances by local and national ensembles
20:00 – 22:00 – First evening concert and campfire with traditional songs

May 31 (Saturday)

10:00 – 18:00 – Demonstrations of shepherd skills and sheepdog competitions
9:00 – 18:00 – Craft workshops and handmade item exhibitions
12:30 – 15:30 – Culinary delights with local specialties
10:00 – 21:00 – Fun and games for kids with animation
20:00 – 22:00 – Grand folklore concert with guest performers

Sheep shearing competition. Two men, dressed in work clothes, shear sheep on a podium. A group of spectators have gathered around them, watching with interest. The background is green, with fodder and sheep in cages.

A man in red clothing feeds goats in a fenced area.

Wool processing. A woman dressed in traditional costume combs wool with a paddle. The object is placed on a flat surface, showing a handmade technique. Colorful fabrics are visible in the background.

June 1 (Sunday)

10:30 – 11:30 – Ritual blessing of the herds and shepherds
9:00 – 17:00 – Craft exhibition and market
12:30 – 15:30 – Traditional dance (horo) and awards ceremony
12:00 – 17:00 – Closing ceremony with a group concert and music performances

Useful Tips for Visitors

Wear comfortable shoes – the event takes place on grassy meadows, so come prepared.
Bring water and a sunhat, especially if you’re attending during the day.
Parking is available near the monastery, but early arrival is advised.
Use the organized shuttle buses from Veliko Tarnovo for easier access.
Be respectful to nature – don’t leave trash and help keep the area clean.

Unforgettable Moments of Folklore and Nature

The National Shepherds’ Festival 2025 is not only a chance to experience authentic Bulgarian traditions and culture, but also a wonderful opportunity to spend time in the beautiful countryside near Veliko Tarnovo and Lyaskovets. Whether you’re a shepherd, a folklore lover, or just looking for a new adventure, you’ll find everything you need for unforgettable moments.

For more insights and stories about the festival, we recommend checking out our previous article about the National Shepherds’ Festival, where you’ll discover more about the event, the traditions, and the magic of the place.