BLAGOEVGRAD, BULGARIA - FEBRUARY 1: A bride prepares for her wedding, painting her face white and decorating it with colorful motifs, symbolizing her transition to a new life and separation from her family as part of the centuries-old “gelina” tradition in Ribnovo, a village in Gotse Delchev municipality in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, on February 1, 2026. Unique to Ribnovo and its surroundings, these weddings last three days. Regardless of rain or snow, villagers follow traditional customs, wearing traditional clothing, celebrating with local music, and preparing communal meals. ( Deniz Kalaycı - Anadolu Agency )
BLAGOEVGRAD, BULGARIA - FEBRUARY 1: A bride prepares for her wedding, painting her face white and decorating it with colorful motifs, symbolizing her transition to a new life and separation from her family as part of the centuries-old “gelina” tradition in Ribnovo, a village in Gotse Delchev municipality in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, on February 1, 2026. Unique to Ribnovo and its surroundings, these weddings last three days. Regardless of rain or snow, villagers follow traditional customs, wearing traditional clothing, celebrating with local music, and preparing communal meals. ( Deniz Kalaycı - Anadolu Agency )
BLAGOEVGRAD, BULGARIA - FEBRUARY 1: A bride prepares for her wedding, painting her face white and decorating it with colorful motifs, symbolizing her transition to a new life and separation from her family as part of the centuries-old “gelina” tradition in Ribnovo, a village in Gotse Delchev municipality in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, on February 1, 2026. Unique to Ribnovo and its surroundings, these weddings last three days. Regardless of rain or snow, villagers follow traditional customs, wearing traditional clothing, celebrating with local music, and preparing communal meals. ( Deniz Kalaycı - Anadolu Agency )
BLAGOEVGRAD, BULGARIA - FEBRUARY 1: A local bazaar is seen as the centuries-old “gelina” tradition is still practiced in Ribnovo, a village in Gotse Delchev municipality in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, on February 1, 2026. The bride paints her face white and decorates it with colorful motifs, symbolizing her transition to a new life and separation from her family as part of the centuries-old “gelina” tradition. Unique to Ribnovo and its surroundings, these weddings last three days. Regardless of rain or snow, villagers follow traditional customs, wearing traditional clothing, celebrating with local music, and preparing communal meals. ( Deniz Kalaycı - Anadolu Agency )
BLAGOEVGRAD, BULGARIA - FEBRUARY 1: The bride and her bridesmaids pose for a photo as the centuries-old “gelina” tradition is still practiced in Ribnovo, a village in Gotse Delchev municipality in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, on February 1, 2026. The bride paints her face white and decorates it with colorful motifs, symbolizing her transition to a new life and separation from her family as part of the centuries-old “gelina” tradition. Unique to Ribnovo and its surroundings, these weddings last three days. Regardless of rain or snow, villagers follow traditional customs, wearing traditional clothing, celebrating with local music, and preparing communal meals. ( Deniz Kalaycı - Anadolu Agency )
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