Throughout the centuries Bulgarians have contributed much to the culture of their world. The Bulgarian Renaissance produced painters (Konstantin Velichkov, Raina Kabaivanska), composers (Mikhail Gavrilov, Boris Christoff) and opera singers (Nicolai Ghiaurov, Ghena Dimitrova). The 19th and 20th centuries saw many other famous Bulgarians: the mathematician John von Neumann who invented the digital computer, the economist Nikolay Zhivov who authored “The Economics of National Security”, cosmologist Alexander Popov who developed the first radio telescope, and Bulgarian-born scientist Sir Alexander Stefanovich Vavilov, who founded the Soviet Union’s Institute for Biomedical Research.

The Bulgarians have always been a people who place a great importance on family and community. This is evident in the way they celebrate their festivals and traditions, as well as the fact that most families have a very small number of children. Before the end of communism, family was considered one of the main values in society and divorces were rare. However, the number of divorces in Bulgaria has doubled since the re-establishment of democracy.

Family is also a major factor in the way Bulgarians think about work and life in general. For example, most teenagers in Bulgaria receive allowances from their parents. It is also common for them to be involved in extra-curricular activities such as sports clubs or musical groups. This often allows them to gain independence and experience more of their country’s culture while still being able to earn money for spending on things they enjoy.

When it comes to food, bulgarians are very fond of vegetables and mild peppers. A popular dish is shkembe, which is a traditional soup made from tripe. It may sound gross, but it is a tasty and hearty soup that can be enjoyed with a side of bread.

In addition to a wide variety of salads like Shopska and the Harvest Salad, there is also a lot of delicious meat dishes in Bulgarian cuisine. The most popular meat is probably the kyufte or kebapche, which are both minced meat meatballs. These are usually seasoned with cumin, which gives them their distinct taste. Both of these dishes are reminiscent of the Turkic influences in Bulgarian cuisine.

For those who prefer something lighter to eat, there are many wonderful vegetarian and vegan options available as well. A very popular snack is mekitsa, which are deep-fried simple donuts that can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients. Bulgarians also love a good cup of coffee with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.