The exhibition “Living Human Treasures – Bulgaria” was officially opened at the “P. R. Slaveykov” Regional Library in Veliko Tarnovo. Until May 14, residents and visitors of the city can view it both at the cultural institution and at the Museum “Revival and Constituent Assembly”.

The exhibition presents elements from the National Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Bulgaria from 2008 to 2024 and tells the story of the living traditions that preserve the country’s cultural memory. A total of 42 panels showcase diverse knowledge, skills, and cultural practices from local communities across all regions of Bulgaria. Among the “living treasures” are the craftsmanship of antique weapons by Dyanko Dyankov from Apriltsi, the tradition of homemade soap-making from the village of Tsarevets, the custom “Henna Ritual for the Bride” from the village of Veselina, and the traditional sugar craftsman from Ethar.

Among the exhibits are also a panel dedicated to Bulgaria’s inscriptions in UNESCO and the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices, explained Chief Assistant Dr. Milena Lyubenova from the Institute of Ethnology and Folklore Studies with Ethnographic Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. She added that the National Representative List is updated every two years. A new session is expected in 2026, when significant cultural elements from across the country will be revised and the exhibition will be expanded with new additions.

As an addition to the exhibition, a 100-year-old festive traditional costume was also presented. It is owned by Ivelina Miteva, a librarian at the Regional Library and an embroidery artisan, who received it as a gift for her 18th birthday.

The exhibition “Living Human Treasures – Bulgaria” was created by a team of researchers from the Institute of Ethnology and Folklore Studies with Ethnographic Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, with the support of the Ministry of Culture. The event is part of the programme of the XXIX Stara Planina Fest Balkan Folk 2026 (May 7–11) and the “Euro Folk” Music Festivals.