Rose oil and lokum: 5 souvenirs from Bulgaria worth bringing home

Bulgaria is a hidden gem of Europe, with a fascinating history and stunning natural beauty. Visiting this country is like traveling back in time.

Ancient ruins, traditional villages, and historical monuments offer a glimpse into the country's fascinating past. If you are wondering what to bring from Bulgaria, we have prepared a list of five souvenirs that are definitely worth buying, as reported by the NewsBytes website.

Products based on rose oil

Bulgaria is well-known for its rose oil and is likely the largest producer in the world. The oil is extracted from a rare variety of roses called Rosa Damascena. Since the Middle Ages, rose oil has been used as a main element in cosmetics and fragrances around the world. You can buy rose oil-based soaps, body lotions, massage oil, face masks, fragrance oils, and much more.

Loukoumi

Loukoumi, also known as Turkish delight, is a sweet gelatin candy that is popular in Turkey and other parts of the Middle East, as well as the Balkans, including Bulgaria. Bulgarian loukoumi is made with rose water and sometimes with the addition of nuts or fruit. In Bulgaria, it is called "rahat-lukum" and is often served as a dessert or snack with tea or coffee.

Drink rakia

Rakija, a traditional alcoholic drink in Bulgaria and other Balkan countries, is a fruit brandy usually made from fermented grapes. Bring a bottle of this quintessential Bulgarian spirit, which is an important part of the country's culture. This drink is often served at weddings and festivals as a digestif and is an important part of social gatherings.

Martenitsas

Martenitsas are worn as bracelets made of red and white woolen threads. They are given to friends, family, and loved ones on March 1, Baba Marta's Day, a traditional Bulgarian holiday that marks the arrival of spring. The red and white threads of the martenitsa symbolize health, happiness, and good luck and are believed to protect the wearer from the evil eye.

Hand-painted religious icons

The art of hand-painted religious icons in Bulgaria has its roots in the Byzantine Empire, which had a significant impact on the country's art and culture. These paintings are known for their rich colors and intricate details. Paintings created using real gold leaf can be quite expensive. However, you can find many reproductions and replicas that are more affordable.

Earlier, Travel Wise wrote about the top 5 souvenirs to bring back from a trip to the Bahamas.