Event Details
Welcome to the National Gaida Competition in Gela
Every year on the first weekend of August, the Ilindenski meadows above the Rhodope village of Gela become Bulgaria's greatest stage for living folk tradition. Hundreds of gaida players and thousands of visitors from across Bulgaria and abroad gather for the National Gaida Competition and Clan Festival. Entry is free for all visitors.
The gaida is the traditional Bulgarian bagpipe made from goatskin. The Rhodope region is home to the distinctive kaba gaida, whose sound is deeper and fuller than the smaller dzhura gaida found elsewhere in Bulgaria. This festival is one of the oldest and most respected folklore events in the country, running for over two decades.
Highlights
- Competition of the finest kaba and dzhura gaida players in four age categories
- Competition program starting at 10:00 AM on the main day (Saturday)
- Over 20 hours of folk music across two stages
- Performances by ensemble "Rodopa", group "101 Kaba Gaidi", formations "Orfey" and "Karadzhata", and orchestra "Pamporovo"
- Award ceremony for the "Dafo Trendafilov" Prize, honoring the finest gaida master
- Horo circle-dance program continuing into the night
- Craftsmen and farmers fair with traditional Bulgarian products
- Tasting of Rhodope specialities including cheeverme, klin and patatnik
- Free entry for all visitors
Program
The festival spans three days. On the first evening, gaida formations open the celebrations with a folk concert at the chapel stage. The second day is dedicated to the official competition: from 10:00 AM, participants compete in kaba and dzhura gaida across four age groups, judged by a panel of recognized experts in Rhodope music. The prize-giving ceremony takes place at 17:00. In the evening, ensemble "Rodopa", group "101 Kaba Gaidi" and orchestra "Pamporovo" deliver a multi-hour concert. The third day celebrates the Clan Festival (Sabor na rodovete), where old families and local communities from the Rhodopes come together with horo dancing and gaida music.
Tickets and Entry
Entry to the entire event on the Ilindenski meadows is free of charge. No tickets are required. All concerts, the competition and the craftsmen's market are open to everyone.
Getting There
- The village of Gela is located in Smolyan Oblast in the central Rhodopes, approximately 20 km from Smolyan.
- The organizers arrange a shuttle bus service from the surrounding area each year; current details are published a few weeks before the festival at sabor.gela.bg.
- Those arriving by car should set off early due to heavy traffic; parking on surrounding meadows is limited.
- Nearby accommodation can be found in Gela itself, in Shiroka Laka, Devin and Smolyan.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early; the meadows fill up quickly, especially on competition day.
- Pack warm clothing for the evenings; temperatures in the Rhodopes can drop even in August.
- Brief mountain showers are possible; a light rain jacket is recommended.
- Book accommodation in the region several months in advance; hotels and guesthouses fill up during the festival period.
- Open fires and unauthorised camping on the festival grounds are prohibited.
Important Note on 2027 Dates
The festival traditionally takes place on the first weekend of August. For 2027, this is expected to fall on 30 July to 1 August 2027. Official dates will be announced at sabor.gela.bg. We recommend checking the official website before making travel plans.
