About
An ancient ritual practised in the Strandzha Mountain villages, most famously in Bulgari and Stoilovo, on June 3–4 (Feast of Saints Constantine and Elena). Nestinari (fire dancers) dance barefoot on glowing embers while holding sacred icons, entering a trance-like state. The tradition is believed to have pre-Christian pagan roots and is recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.