from spartacus to krum the new 359: Hristo Botev

Right, so Hristo Botev this Bulgarian national hero, he was a revolutionary against Turkish rule. June 2nd is the day people remember him, but its kinda week long celebration leading up to it. I believe its a national remembrance day but he died in this area so its a big deal around here, Vratsa had a big concert June 1st and the president was there. Pavolche is in the mountains where he died, we have statues of him all over town and our main street is called Hristo Botev, so Tuesday was a town holiday. Everyone went to the top of the mountain where there is a giant cross for Hristo Botev and there were military people, speeches, singing and dancing; and of course food tents with what I can only describe as Bulgarian fair grounds food.
We got free tickets to the concert b/c Mat's host mother is super active in the community so that was really cool. Full Orchestra, Opera singers, dancers and skits.

The President, doing President things before the concert

Fireworks after the concert

Then the next day we had an hour of language at 8:00, the thing at the top of the mountain till 12, then a lunch break til 2 (when we had freshly roasted goat at Baba Vasia's house) two more hours of language, dinner and then the whole town went in front of the school and blasted music, kids threw crackers, the cafe/store across the street was open for drinks and then the Hora started. It was an epic evening and we got to spend time with a lot of people we see everyday but dont really get to talk to. Maya from the Cafe was there, people who work in the stores, the mayor etc.

The Mayor, Matt and Katie