On the first days of August 2026, Gela will once again become a center of the Rhodope musical tradition. The Ilinden Meadows will host one of the most authentic cultural experiences in the mountains — the Rhodope Bagpipe Gathering (Gaidarsko Nadsvirvane). An event that resonates deeply in the hearts of everyone who has the chance to experience it.
When the Mountain Begins to Sing
Imagine this: across the green meadows of the Rhodope Mountains, under the open sky, dozens of bagpipe players begin to play together.
The gathering brings musicians from across Bulgaria and often from abroad. Some are masters with decades of experience, others are young talents carrying the tradition forward. They all come with the same purpose — to share, to play together, and to pass on something greater than any one of us.
Gela Becomes the Stage
During this weekend, Hotel Gela becomes part of the celebration. From Thursday through Sunday, the hotel garden fills with music, tradition, and shared moments.
Here is what we have prepared for our guests:
- Traditional cheverme — lamb slowly roasted over an open fire, a symbol of hospitality and tradition
- Live Rhodope bagpipe players and singers performing in the hotel courtyard
- Local draft beer
- Bagpipe lessons for the most enthusiastic guests
- Fire under the stars — music, stories, and moments that stay with you long after the night ends
The Bagpipe Gathering is not something that can truly be described with words.
If you would like to be part of this celebration, we invite you to reserve your stay at Hotel Gela in advance.
From the Mountain to the World
Inspired by this extraordinary cultural heritage, we are also proud to announce a new project: a series of professional recordings of Rhodope bagpipe performances, created in collaboration with local musicians.
These recordings will be available to our guests and will also be shared beyond the hotel through streaming platforms, curated playlists, and special music events.
Our goal is to preserve and share the magic of this music, allowing people from around the world to discover the depth and beauty of Rhodope culture.
You can listen to the album “101 Kaba Gaidi” here:
Reservations:
