The Bulgarian Dance - Nestinarstvo, perforemed in Lecce, Italy

While they are walking slowly on the live coals, wearing white shirts, the flames are burning under their feet, but another fire fills their souls. Carrying an icon, listening to the sounds of drums and bagpipes, they are overcoming the heat of the burning coals. Going through this test they prove the power of their faith. These are Nestinari.

The ritual started over thousands of years ago, when the Thracian tribes lived on our lands. It is a mixture of Eastern Orthodox beliefs and older pagan traditions. It still performed in its original version in some villages on the 21st May, the day of Saint Konstantin and Elena.

This ritual - Nestinarstvo is one of the greatest Bulgarian tourist attractions. Since 2009 it has been part of the United Nation Cultural Heritage.

ENJOY watching!

You can watch the video HERE.