Български
EnglishVlogger Kiro Breika has launched a large-scale patriotic initiative to promote Bulgarian businesses free of charge by presenting the town of Elena as an outstanding alternative to the typical vacations abroad.
A mission to support Bulgarian production
In contrast to years of propaganda and the systematic disparagement of the country, the initiative has set itself the ambitious goal of making "Bulgarian become contagious". Through financial support from followers on the Patreon platform, professionally produced promotional videos are offered completely free of charge for hardworking Bulgarians who run honest businesses and preserve the country's traditions. The author firmly refuses to accept payment from local entrepreneurs for these advertisements, emphasizing the need for mutual support.
An interesting aspect of the initiative is its call for national unity. It emphasizes that despite deep political differences within society—giving as an example the friendship between a staunch anti-communist and a defender of socialism—Bulgarians should set aside their disagreements and help one another for the prosperity of their homeland.
A healing climate and advantages over foreign resorts
The town of Elena and the Elena Balkan region are presented as a much better and more affordable alternative to exhausting trips to Greece, where tourists often spend hours waiting at border crossings. Instead of the typical white Greek houses, the region offers magnificent nature, lush greenery, the scent of linden trees, and authentic Bulgarian Revival houses with spacious verandas.
The area is distinguished by exceptionally clean air, whose healing properties were scientifically demonstrated as early as the beginning of the last century by Dr. Chilov.
Evidence of the unique microclimate:
- Dr. Chilov's experiment: By placing pieces of meat in various mountain towns (such as Tryavna, Troyan, and Gabrovo), the physician found that spoilage occurred most slowly in Elena because of the area's distinctive air, which inhibits the growth of bacteria.
- Climate school: Thanks to these discoveries, a specialized climatic school was established in the region, where children with lung diseases were treated and fully recovered solely through the healing power of nature.
Historical heritage – the "Bulgarian Bethlehem"
The town of Elena is known as the "Bulgarian Bethlehem" because its residents proudly believe that everything good begins there. Once home to more than 6,000 people and now with a population of around 1,500, the town has preserved architectural and historical landmarks of great importance to Bulgaria's national heritage.
Among the most significant attractions are:
- Daskalolivnitsa: Founded in 1843 by Ivan Momchilov, it was Bulgaria's first class school for training teachers (literally, a place for "casting teachers").
- St. Nicholas Church: Built deeply recessed into the ground during Ottoman rule so that its height would not provoke the occupiers. It contains exceptionally rich and well-preserved iconography.
- The Clock Tower: One of the iconic symbols of the Bulgarian Revival town.
Culinary traditions and environmentally friendly food
In addition to the famous Elena dry-cured ham, the region is proud of its wide range of environmentally friendly foods that are supplied directly to local tourist establishments, creating a closed and sustainable production cycle.
| Product type | Origin and characteristics |
|---|---|
| Meat delicacies | Produced at the "Elenski Balkandzhii" factory using animals raised in the region's clean environment. Authentic recipes from nearby villages are used (e.g., Mikovska lukanka and Blaskovski sudzhuk). |
| Dairy products | Cheese, yellow cheese, and fresh milk are sourced entirely from high-quality regional producers and dairies. |
| Wines | Tourist establishments are supplied by local wineries, including the renowned winery in the village of Maryan. |
| Vegetables | Tomatoes and fresh vegetables are grown by local farmers, guaranteeing genuine, authentic flavor. |
Affordable tourism, modern facilities, and patriotic education
Local entrepreneurs have built successful family businesses by developing modern resorts such as "Kostadinovite Kashti" and the Sunny Hills & Spa Hotel. The facilities are impressive, featuring several swimming pools, dedicated spa centers (with a steam bath, sauna, and jacuzzi), spacious apartments, and beautiful summer terraces surrounded by the tranquility of nature.
Unlike expensive foreign resorts, prices here are highly affordable for Bulgarian visitors—a traditional Shopska salad costs about €4.65–€5.16, while a bowl of tarator is only €3.
As a sign of deep respect for the first chairman of the local Tourism Council, who made an exceptional contribution to the town's development, the owners' family built the beautiful chapel of Saints Constantine and Helena. It stands on an ancient sacred site known locally as Cherkovishte and was decorated by the finest icon painters in the Veliko Tarnovo region.
At the end of his journey, the author makes a heartfelt appeal to his fellow Bulgarians to spend their vacations in their homeland in order to support the local economy and, above all, to raise their children with an unconditional love for Bulgaria so that the country will not be taken over by foreign interests in the future.
Add comment