Plovdiv to host ethnographic conference on Bulgarian village and city transformations

The Regional Ethnographic Museum in Plovdiv will host a scientific conference titled ‘The Bulgarian Village and City – Transformations Over Time’ on October 22 and 23, 2026. More than 30 scholars specializing in history, ethnography, anthropology, and museum studies are expected to participate.

The forum will examine the evolution of rural and urban life through various historical periods. Key topics include changes in lifestyle, social interaction, traditions, holidays, material culture, and economic systems. Specific focus will be placed on the development of crafts and their role in daily life, as well as contemporary issues such as village depopulation and refugees.

One unique presentation will explore the connection between Burgas and the Eurovision Song Contest, particularly relevant given Bulgaria's upcoming hosting of the international music forum. Museum Director Angel Yankov emphasized that the event aims to demonstrate that museums serve as vital centers for high-quality scientific research rather than just leisure spaces.