A ritual of the village of Bulgari involving icons, sacred music and a climactic fire-dance; UNESCO-listed since 2009.
Nestinarstvo is not defined by a step sequence: icon bearers, sacred music, blessings, ritual specialists and a local feast form a religious tradition. Presenting only the embers would misrepresent its meaning. UNESCO inscribed the element in 2009. The annual Panagyr dedicated to Saints Constantine and Helena takes place in the village of Bulgari on 3–4 June according to UNESCO’s documentation. Observe the procession and role of the icons, tupan drum and gaida before the evening fire rite. Do not imitate walking on embers: it is a dangerous ritual practice, not a home dance exercise.
