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Bulgaria is a land of golden honey and ancient beekeeping traditions. For centuries, beekeepers have worked in harmony with nature, crafting some of the world’s finest honey. From the Thracians to modern-day apitherapists, this craft has remained a vital part of Bulgarian culture. Plovdiv is a perfect place to explore it! With one of Europe’s only bee monuments and a thriving beekeeping community, the city offers a glimpse into this fascinating world. Let’s dive in!
Bees – The Unsung Heroes of Our Ecosystem
Bees play an essential role in our environment. They are responsible for pollinating around 80% of flowering plants, ensuring biodiversity and food production. It is estimated that up to 70% of the food we eat depends, directly or indirectly, on bee pollination. This makes protecting bees a priority not just for beekeepers but for everyone.
A Craft as Old as Time
Beekeeping has been an essential part of life around Plovdiv for millennia and may even be considered as part of the Thracian heritage of the region. The ancient Thracians, who inhabited the area long before the establishment of the Bulgarian state, already had knowledge and traditions in this art. They recognized the value of honey and beeswax not only for food and trade but also for their medicinal properties.
In those days beekeeping tools were somewhat different than now. Instead of the wooden hives we know today, beekeepers used a contraption called “тръвна” (trŭvna). This is a simple, yet effective, type of beehive that’s still found in some rural areas today. These cone-shaped constructions are woven from willow or hazel branches, then sealed with a natural mix of clay, ash, and cow dung for insulation. A thatched straw or fern “hat” protects them from harsh weather. While they’re easy to craft from local materials and require little maintenance, their fixed honeycombs make hive inspections nearly impossible.
During the Bulgarian National Revival period (18th–19th centuries), beekeeping was a respected practice, mainly pursued by priests, teachers, and mayors. These intellectuals had both the knowledge and the time to engage in this demanding yet rewarding craft. Shortly after the Liberation of Bulgaria beekeepers began to unite and advance their art, improving it step by step.
The Challenges of Modern Beekeeping in Bulgaria
Today, beekeeping remains a difficult profession, requiring both physical endurance and intellectual effort. Beekeepers in Bulgaria must work in extreme temperatures ranging from -20°C to +40°C, while also staying informed about the latest research and techniques.
Climate change has added new challenges, particularly in Southern Bulgaria. Warmer temperatures mean that queen bees lay eggs continuously without a natural rest period, leading to exhaustion and weaker colonies. Additionally, the spread of new bee diseases has made it even harder to maintain healthy hives. As a result, honey production varies significantly: in Southern Bulgaria, a hive produces around 20–25 kilograms of honey per year, while in Northern Bulgaria, where the climate is cooler, this figure can reach up to 100 kilograms.
Inspite of all the challenges, beekeeping in Bulgaria is still going strong. Young professionals try to innovate continuously, combining the millenia-old traditions with new methods of marketing, in order to raise awareness and educate people. More and more companies, such as the Bulgarian Honey Company try to bring this fascinating art closer to people, developing new honey-based products and offering honey tasting tours.
The “Acacia” Beekeeping Association
The “Acacia” Beekeeping Association also plays a crucial role in preserving Plovdiv region’s beekeeping traditions. For decades it was believed to have been founded in 1913, however recent discoveries suggest that it may be even older. A diploma showing that Anton Bezenshek — a Slovenian scholar who contributed to Bulgarian shorthand — was a member of the association indicates that it may date back as much as a decade earlier.
Today, the association is highly active in promoting beekeeping in Bulgaria. It organizes lectures featuring prominent scientists, hosts national exhibitions (including at the Plovdiv International Fair), and supports vulnerable people with bee-related products. With the support of Plovdiv municipality, the association also holds honey and bee product exhibitions four times a year on the city’s main street, bringing high-quality Bulgarian honey and bee products directly to consumers.
A Monument to Bees in Plovdiv
Did you know that Plovdiv is home to one of only two bee monuments in Europe? In 2014, the city built it to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the “Acacia” Beekeeping Association. This unique landmark serves to raise awareness about the importance of bees and the challenges facing beekeepers today. You can find it within a 10 – minute walking distance from the Old Town.
The Healing Power of Honey
Bulgaria has a strong tradition of apitherapy—the use of bee products for medicinal purposes. One of the pioneers in this field was Dr. Stoymir Mladenov, who began researching the therapeutic benefits of honey in the 1950s. The “Acacia” Association also has a dedicated apitherapy section, founded by the well-known Plovdiv physician Dr. Plamen Enchev.
The Beekeepers’ Holiday – Saint Haralambos Day
It is not by chance that we are writing this blogpost today. February 10th is an important date — the feast day of Saint Haralambos, the patron saint of beekeeping in Bulgaria. Saint Haralambos was the first bishop of the city of Magnesia in Asia Minor and was known for using honey as a healing remedy.
To celebrate, the “Acacia” Association organizes events at the House of Science and Technology in Plovdiv, featuring a blessing ceremony for health and prosperity, as well as a special performance by the “Mountain Echo” choir.
Did you know, that…
- Some of the greatest discoveries about bees were made by François Huber, a Swiss naturalist who was blind. Despite his disability, he conducted groundbreaking research on bee behavior.
- Honey should not be given to children under one year of age due to the risk of botulism.
- Heating honey above 40°C produces hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a compound that can be harmful in large quantities.
- There are many different holidays honoring bees around the world. This includes July 8th (the day of Procopius of Scythopolis) and May 20th (International beekeeper’s day).
A Sweet Souvenir from Bulgaria
Beekeeping has been an integral part of Bulgarian culture for thousands of years. If you’re looking for a unique, delicious, and healthful souvenir from Bulgaria, consider high-quality Bulgarian honey. It’s not just a tasty treat—it’s a piece of Bulgaria’s rich heritage!
Author: Free Plovdiv Tour Guide – Tsveta Pancheva
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