Obedinenië – Bulgaria – April 2021

Stefan and Rumianka. A couple in their 70s, who have always lived in the countryside. At the age of 18, they were matched by fellow villagers. They have never let go of each other since. Their children and grandchildren have since moved to the big city, finding work and a life with more opportunities.

Stefan and Rumianka remained in ‘their’ Obedinenië, where after 30 years, the same tomatoes still grow in the garden, and the same village shop bakes bread. The highlight of the year? The village festival in the month of August. Rumianka sings then, in traditional attire, along with a women’s choir. They practice for it the whole year.