My final project demonstrates my skills as a journalist in a number of ways. It demonstrates my interviewing skills because I interviewed people who were directly involved in how Bulgarians in the US stay connected to their culture. I interviewed Bulgarians on how they practice their traditions and stay connected to the Bulgarian community. I asked them questions about specific ways in which they continue to be involved in Bulgarian events, holidays, traditions, and politics after immigrating to the US, and included relevant and insightful quotes. This project also demonstrates my storytelling and reporting skills because I explained the significance of the Bulgarian traditions and how Bulgarian immigrants continue to practice them and I did research on the local Bulgarian community. I made sure the story was interesting and appealing to those who want to know more about Bulgarian traditions, and included important information about Bulgarians and their culture. It demonstrates my understanding of journalistic ethics because I made sure to accurately report what the people I interviewed said and included their complete views without trying to put my own biases into the story.
How Bulgarians in Burlington Preserve Their Culture
Burlington’s Bulgarian community, though small, is full of people with an unwavering commitment to preserve their culture. They have held onto their Bulgarian heritage by celebrating Bulgarian holidays together, incorporating Bulgarian dances, food, and costumes, and passing on the language and culture to their children.
“I participate and volunteer in Bulgarian events and take Bulgarian dance classes every Friday. I participate in organizing the Bulgarian Christmas party and also participate in organizing the independence day celebrations. That is a huge celebration for the community and it’s celebrated with traditional dances - horo - and music and food, ” Kremena Dimitrova, a local Bulgarian immigrant, said.
Kremena also celebrates Bulgarian holidays including Baba Marta on March 1st, where people exchange red and white bracelets called Martenitsas, which they wear throughout the whole month. She also celebrates the rose festival in June, the day of the Bulgarian alphabet at the Bulgarian school, and Christmas with her Bulgarian friends.
“I do my best to speak the language at home among family members. I show my kids how beautiful my country is by taking them there and traveling within the country at least once a year or every other year. My kids were going to Saturday school to learn the language and culture,” Kremena said.
One major challenge that Bulgarian immigrant parents have is passing on the language and culture to their children. It can be hard for kids to speak Bulgarian frequently when they grow up in an English speaking country, and that can lead to them forgetting it over time. Many Bulgarian parents make sure to speak Bulgarian with their children at home, because that is the best way to make sure they practice and remember their language. Visiting Bulgaria often is another way that parents make sure their children stay connected to their Bulgarian heritage and culture.
“I also watch Bulgarian television, shows and news to keep updated with anything going on in the country. I try to participate in any events organized in the community and vote for all Bulgarian elections,” Jasmina Atanasova, another Bulgarian immigrant, said.
Some Bulgarians are dual citizens, meaning that if they are adults, they can vote in Bulgarian elections. Many Bulgarian-Americans keep themselves informed on Bulgarian politics, and vote in Bulgarian elections.
“There is a Bulgarian dance ensemble ‘Ludo Mlado’ that does a great job of keeping the traditional dance alive for future generations. Some of my friends are part of the ensemble and I often attend the events,” Jasmina said.
Ludo Mlado is a folk dance ensemble based in Boston featuring unique music, dances, and traditional Bulgarian costumes. It has been around for twenty years and is very popular with Bulgarians in Massachusetts.
“There are art contests for kids with Bulgarian shevica, which is an embroidery that is on traditional clothing. I personally want to make sure that all those events, arts shows, and dance classes continue for a long time by offering my help when needed
and donating money,” Stanimir Kenarov, another Bulgarian, said.
Shevica is present in folk costumes all over Bulgaria. In the past, every Bulgarian woman had to personally design the clothes and gifts she had to take when she got married. Many Bulgarians still use it as a decoration on clothes and other items and make them themselves.
“I am a teacher and a choreographer of the 2 dance ensembles in the area. We participate in cultural events around the USA with the biggest one being in Chicago since that is where the biggest Bulgarian population is. We wear traditional dresses and dance horo. I also help organize arts and crafts fairs with Bulgarian crafters. Our folklore music and dance is unique and specific to Bulgaria,” Marieta Mircheva, a Bulgarian whose children attend the Burlington school district, said.
Bulgarian folk dances have a unique combination of vibrant colors and spiritual motifs, passed down for generations. Bulgarians in the US continue to perform these dances with the traditional costumes and music. Bulgaria also has a rich tradition in arts and crafts, with many items and techniques that Bulgarians continue to practice.
Bulgarians in America keep their culture and traditions alive in a variety of ways. Whether it’s a by passing on the language and tradition to their children, participating in Bulgarian events and holidays, or participating in Bulgarian politics, they continue to ensure that their heritage can thrive.