Some of the mysteries of Bulgarian traditions and culture will be revealed this weekend in the village of Huhla, Ivailovgrad region, in southeastern Bulgaria near the Turkish border.

The Huhla Mysteries celebration of the arts will bring together representatives from all spheres of Bulgarian cultural life. This will be the second time the event has been held in the picturesque village; the first took place four years ago. Ivailovgrad Municipality, Alisa 7 advertising agency and Kurdjali-based newspaper Nov Zhivot have organized the festival.

The project aims to revive the traditions of the Ivailovgrad region, which boasts a multitude of historical and archeological monuments and churches. The organizers want to draw the public's attention to the archeological sights of Ivailovgrad municipality, which have been plundered and left to become ruins over the years. According to them the Huhla Mysteries will bring many art enthusiasts to the region and will attract interest from all over the country.

"The place is full of sacredness and positive energy," said Plamen Dimitrov, initiator and co-ordinator of the project. He noted that the organizers wanted to keep the event as mysterious as possible so they did not want to reveal many details about the performances. "We do not need a strict program. We are going to rely on improvisation." Many artists have been invited to take part in the Huhla Mysteries. Scientists who are acquainted with the traditions and history of the region will tell interesting stories to the audience. Poetry readings will be held at a sacred place near the village. Dimitrov explained that the place was considered sacred by locals because in 1913 the Turks massacred most of the villagers there before the village was burned down.

Musicians from Kurdjali and Haskovo as well as local groups will perform musical pieces from the region. Actors from the Ulitsata theatre are also expected to arrive in Huhla.

Dimitrov noted that the celebration was planned as a charity event. It should serve as a stimulus for local people who feel forgotten and abandoned in the southeastern part of their country. "The funds we expect to get from sponsors will be used for the region's cultivation," the co-ordinator explained. "The water supply system in the village will be finished and the construction of a chapel of Saint Ilia will be initiated."