Rozhen

An accident on the Trakia highway towards Plovdiv, near the Ikhtiman motel, has halted traffic, leading traffic police to divert vehicles onto alternate routes. There are currently over 400 snowplows operational across the nation's roads.

With the raising of the Bulgarian national flag, the Unification Monument - "Rozhen" pillar - was officially opened. The ceremony was accompanied by a live performance with historical paintings, a fireworks show and the raising of the Bulgarian national flag.

The heavy snowfall created problems in the passes in the Middle Stara Planina and the Rhodope mountains.

Restrictions on the movement of trucks have been imposed through the Troyan - Karnare, Rozhen, Prevala and Pechinsko passes in Smolyan region.

Over 200,000 people visited the Rozhen Fair in the Rhodope Mountains. Therefore, there was a temporary restriction of the traffic in the area.

For those wishing to visit the festival, public transport was provided. Altogether, 3500 artists reveal the magic of Rhodope music from the four scenes of the concert. 

The National Folklore Fair "Rozhen 2019" began on July 19. This year it will run until July 21, reports BNT. 

More than 3,500 folklore artists and 80 craftsmen will present their folk dances, songs and artistic works until Sunday on the meadows of Rozhen.

On July 19, Friday, the head of state Rumen Radev and his wife Desislava Radeva will attend the opening of the Rozhen fair. The President will open the event with the rhythm of Rhodope bells from the central stage of the Rozhen meadows near Smolyan at 10.30 am.

Over 200 groups will participate at Rozhen 2019, the National Folklore Fair, which this year will take place from 19 to 21 July, Smolyan Mayor Nikolay Melevov told Focus Radio. In his words, over 30,000 people have attended the major event in previous years, which requires an efficient organisation that began in February.

On Sunday, the Astronomical Observatory of Rozhen peak opens doors for everyone who is curious to look into the cosmos. During the summer season the most visible on the night horizon are the planets giants Saturn and Jupiter.

Rain, mixed with sand particle, was witnessed today in Smolyan. Most likely, it is a colorful precipitation of sand from the Sahara, which is usually observed in the spring in the region, explained Rozhen Meteorological Station.

In the region of Rozhen during the day has also fallen light snow.

The state of emergency in Smolyan is still in place on 28th of January, but it is expected to be cancelled today after the situation in the region gradually gets back to normal, reports BNT. 

Traffic is one-way through Pamporovo ski resort. Cars are not allowed from Progled to the resort. Traffic from the town is redirected through the Rozhen pass.