Bulgarian folklore singers, dancers and musicians gathered Saturday to show the best of their skills and mastership at the traditional Rozhen fair.

This year's venue held in the bosom of the Rhodopes Mountain marks a cultural tradition brought back to life few years ago. It expects a record visitors' turnout - more than 80,000 people for two days.

"Here is a place where you can feel the deepest of Bulgarian feelings, Bulgarian emotions and patriotism," Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov said in an opening speech to the thousands of people who came to see Rozhen 2006.

More than 6,000 singers, dancers, musicians and story-tellers have confirmed participation in the folklore event organised under the aegis of Culture Minister Stefan Danailov.

The fair coincides with two anniversaries - 150 years of libraries and theatre of Bulgaria.

On Sunday evening the longest horo - traditional Bulgarian ring dance - will put a solemn end to the musical event.

History says the fair had its roots 1892 due to a family tradition established between akin members split on the two sides of the border. Once a year they climbed Rozhen, danced and sang in their joy to see each other.

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