Bulgarian Cultural Center of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware

The Bulgarian Cultural Center of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, presenting, and perpetuating Bulgarian cultural heritage in the United States.

History

The organization's roots stem from informal gatherings of Bulgarians in the tri-state area who sought to maintain cultural connections to their homeland. Over time, these gatherings evolved into more structured events and forums, such as traditional music and dance concerts, crafts workshops, and the establishment of Bulgarian schools.

A pivotal moment in the formation of the center was the organization of the First Bulgarian Festival in the Philadelphia region in 2013. This event was sparked by the idea of Yoto Yotov and was supported by a group of enthusiastic Bulgarians who worked together to plan the celebration of the Cyrillic Alphabet and Literature Day on May 24th. After the success of the festival, it became clear that a formal organization was needed to further unite Bulgarian communities and promote cultural heritage.

Mission and Activities

The center aims to unite Bulgarian communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, as well as anyone interested in Bulgarian culture. Its mission encompasses a broad range of activities:

• Cultural Events: The center organizes an annual Bulgarian Festival, which features traditional music, dance, and crafts. The festival includes performances of folk songs, dances like the hora circle dance, and exhibitions of traditional Bulgarian instruments such as the kaval, gaida, and tapan.
• Education: It supports Bulgarian schools where children can learn the Bulgarian language, history, art, and literature. One such school mentioned is "Zora."
• Workshops and Schools: The center aims to establish a School of Bulgarian Traditional Crafts, offering workshops in woodcarving, metalwork, weaving, embroidery, and ceremonial breads.
• Lectures and Readings: It hosts readings, discussions, and lectures by Bulgarian writers and scholars, as well as film screenings of Bulgarian films.
• Partnerships: The center collaborates with individuals and organizations both in the U.S. and Bulgaria to achieve common goals in preserving Bulgarian cultural heritage.

Governance

As of 2022, the Board of Directors includes Sirma Koutzaki and Bojidar Bakalov as co-chairs, along with other dedicated members such as Krassi Lazarova, Dimitar Stoykov, Iveta Pirgova, and Dessislava Dimitrova. The board oversees several committees focusing on programs and events, communication, finance, and volunteer development.

Impact

The Bulgarian Cultural Center plays a significant role in fostering community and cultural identity among Bulgarians living in the tri-state area. Its annual festivals and educational programs have helped create a vibrant cultural scene, promoting Bulgarian traditions and engaging new audiences in the region.