Oslen Fest Organizers: A Rural Renaissance Is Mission Possible

Nevena Yovcheva and Kiril Nachev are proud residents of the village of Oslen Krivodol.

Nevena Yovcheva and Kiril Nachev met almost a decade ago in a Spanish village, exchanging ideas with other young people about living in harmony with nature. Now, as residents of the Bulgarian village of Oslen Krivodol, on the southern bank of the Iskar River, they’re putting those ideas into action.

The area’s pristine nature and abundant freshwater springs were a big draw for the couple, and so were the rich history and culture of the region of Mezdra and the simple pleasures of life in the countryside: the community’s kindness and willingness to help each other, trips to the local spring for water, and the ability to eat vegetables grown in your own garden.

Nevena and Kiril are making the most of rural life, but they moved to the village with the clear intention of giving back to the local community as well.

A bird’s-eye view of the village of Oslen Krivodol. Photo by Kiril Nachev

“If we want to live in a quality environment, taking care of our surroundings is the most natural thing to do,” Nevena says. Kiril adds, “Every place becomes beautiful if you create it this way and contribute with love.”

Since arriving two years ago, the couple has been dedicated to improving the lives of others in the village and the wider region. They are always ready to lend a hand to a neighbor in need. Moreover, along with other volunteers, Nevena and Kiril have built a gazebo and other rest areas in the village, set up a camping zone, improved and marked trails, digitized information signs around the village, and started refurbishing a house for volunteers and artists.

Oslen Fest is an annual festival in the village of Oslen Krivodol.

The two are also actively contributing to two major projects of the local community — transforming Oslen Krivodol’s old, abandoned school building into a kindergarten for local children and an art space and developing the tourism portal Key to the Northwest.

The couple dreams of a “village renaissance,” where Bulgarian villages bustle with life again and not just during vacation season. To showcase their region, Nevena and Kiril organize the annual festival Oslen Fest and offer various tourist experiences throughout the year – from adventure trips to packages for families.

The third edition of Oslen Fest will be held from August 22 to 25 this year, featuring a packed program of musical performances; workshops on making winter preserves and building with natural materials; a farmers’ market; and “baba catering” — delicious treats prepared by local women. There will also be a runners’ marathon, morning health practices, visits to Thracian sanctuaries, and much more. This year, Oslen Krivodol residents will also demonstrate the local Butterfly ritual for attracting rain.

The local “beach”

Oslen Fest takes place in a spacious meadow with a spring of clean drinking water and a swimming pond — so bring your swimsuits! Your hosts in Oslen Krivodol are excited to welcome you.

You like Nevena and Kiril’s cause? Support them by making a donation or by joining volunteer initiatives in the area.

Nevena and Kiril dream of bringing back children’s laughter to Bulgarian villages.

 

There is always work to do in the countryside.

 

Volunteers clean springs in the villages of Lik and Oslen Krivodol.

 

Work on the transformation of the old school in the village continues.

 

Cooking together at Oslen Fest

 

Support for Nevena and Kiril’s work is part of the America for Bulgaria Foundation’s long-term efforts to promote economic development in the Bulgarian North through entrepreneurship and tourism.

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