Folklore Dance Ensemble “VESELIE” is established since 1998. Its founders and mayor choreographers are Kalina and LyubomirMaryanski. They are graduates and certified specialists in the field of dance art and practices.

The ensemble is presented by more than 150 children divided in 5 different-aged groups (5-30 years-old). They are young enthusiasts able to entertain the audience with their artistic presence on the stage and wonderful dance abilities. For a short time, the Folk Dance Ensemble “VESELIE” has become a spiritual platform for the young to get in touch with the rich and colorful folklore heritage and dance art. Moreover, the ensemble preserves and enriches the folklore culture and traditions of Municipality of Simitli, the region and the whole country as well.

For all those years, more than 700 children have been part of the ensemble.They successfully enchanted with their dances not only the Bulgarian audience but the one in Greece (2007, 2008), Romania (2009), Italy (2007), Spain (2008), Turkey (2005,2006,2009,2012), Serbia (2012, 2018, 2022), Ukraine (2010),

Czech Republic (2017), Nord Macedonia (2005-2012, 2022), Hungary (2013), France (2010, 2014, 2019) , Bosnia and Herzegovina (2011, 2019), Moldova (2017),Croatia(2009), Poland (2015, 2016, 2021), Montenegro (2022).

Their spectacular performances were deservedly granted with many honors and awards such as:

  • Grand Prix, “Doina Kovorlului” - Galati, Rumania 2009;
  • First Place, Alcala de la Selva, Spain 2008;
  • First Place, “Golden Strawberry”- Nazili, Turkey 2005;
  • Audience Award, Savoia di Lucania, Italy 2007
  • Audience Award, Pula Croatia 2009
  • First Place on International Folklore Festival “Maleshevo sings and dances”- Mikrevo, Bulgaria 2005 and Grand Prix 2010 & 2013
  • First Place, “Southern suns”-Petrich, Bulgaria 2005 and 2009
  • First Place and golden medal on The National Festival “Orfeeva darba”-Sofia, Bulgaria 2007
  • First Places on Folklore Festival “Veseliache”- Kresna, Bulgaria 2005, 2006,2007,2008,2009,2010;
  • First Place on Folklore Festival “Sun is coming” – Dren, Bulgaria 2007 and 2010;
  • Municipality Major Award on Folklore Festival “Morning Star” Bansko, Bulgaria 2009.
  • Winner of the great dance award of Sofia, Bulgaria - 2013, 2014
  • First prize and winner of the "Gold Plaque" from the international folklore festival "Easter Encounters" - Radovish, Macedonia 2014
  • First place at the national competition "Oro se vie, tservuli se kinat" – 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017
  • Grand Prix of the international ethno-festival "Peace in the Balkans" - Haskovo 2015
  • First place at the Delchevo Fest international folklore festival - Delchevo, North Macedonia 2022

Folk Dance Ensemble “VESELIE”’s repertoire is consisted of a variety of dances presenting all 7 Bulgarian folklore regions. However, the main influence comes from Pirin region where the ensemble is situated in.

Along with the choreographies of Kalina and Lyubomir, the repertoire contains compilations developed by leading Bulgarian choreographers. The main rehearsal hall and the ensemble’s costume wardrobe are situated in “Petar Beron” School – Simitli.

The supreme vision of the ensemble and its leaders is to teach children to love and value the rich Bulgarian folklore and traditions and to preserve their identity and the heritage of their predecessors!


  • Bulgaria
  • Simitli 2730
  • 109 Predel str.
  • Lyubomir Maryanski
  • Folk Dance Ensemble “VESELIE”
  • e-mail:veselie_98@mail.bg
  • phone:00359 899 885133 – Bulgarian, Russian
  • phone:00359 899 942820- English
  • www.facebook.com/ folk dance ensemble ”Veselie” - Simitli