Every year, on the first weekend of August, Gela becomes the stage for one of the most iconic events in the Rhodope Mountains – the Bagpipe Gathering. Hundreds of gaida players from across Bulgaria (and beyond) gather under the open sky at the Ilinden Meadows to fill the village with the sound of the kaba gaida—magical, deep, ancient. This is not just music. It is ancestry, memory, and spirit.
The event takes place outdoors, high in the mountains, where the horizon is wide, and the emotion is raw. The sound of dozens of bagpipes playing in unison is unforgettable. And when traditional costumes, chain dances, Rhodopean songs, and eyes filled with tears and pride are added—then the experience moves to another level.
On the following day, Sunday, the Ilinden Fair is held—a time for reunions, embraces, and a celebration of the bond between Bulgarians from all over the world. The mountain gathers, the music heals.
This year at Hotel Gela, we’ve prepared something special:
We begin on Thursday and continue throughout the weekend with a live program in the hotel’s courtyard. Expect:
- Traditional charcoal barbecue and roasted lamb
- Rhodopean bagpipers and singers filling the courtyard with their own musical duels, from Saturday afternoon into the night
- Cold draft beer
- Fire, live music, and shared moments under the stars
We’re offering special accommodation packages for our guests during the Bagpipe Weekend.
From the Mountain to the World
Inspired by this cultural richness, we’re excited to announce our new project: a series of professional recordings of traditional bagpipe performances, created in collaboration with local musicians. These recordings will be available to our guests and shared beyond the hotel through streaming platforms, curated playlists, and special music events.
Our goal is to preserve and promote the magic of this music, so people from around the world can discover and feel the beauty and depth of Rhodopean culture.
You can enjoy the album “101 Kaba Gaidi” here:
For reservations and information:
