Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff made a highly emotional visit to medieval Bulgarian capital Veliko Tarnovo Thursday, part of her ongoing official visit to Bulgaria.

On her way to the Tsarevets Fortress in Tarnovo together with Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov, Dilma broke state protocol and walked to the enthusiastic crowd, making the sign of a heart with her hands.

The multitude gathered greeted the Brazilian president with warm shouts "Dilma!" and "Viva Brazil!"

Since her 2010 election as Brazil's president, Rousseff, whose father was born in Bulgarian town of Gabrovo, has gained immense popularity in Bulgaria.

Later Thursday Rousseff is expected in Gabrovo, where she will be able to meet relatives, and where special exhibits on her family have been put into place.

In Veliko Tarnovo, the Brazilian President and her Bulgarian counterpart visited various historic sites, and met with the heads of the local authorities, who had organized a festive traditional lunch for her.

Dilma Rousseff has brought with her to Bulgaria a high-profile ministerial and business delegation that will work with Bulgarian representatives to boost economic cooperation between the two countries.