One of the key characteristics of the Bulgarian people and nation is the folk music. It can be defined as being country-wide and simultaneously distinctive for every geographic region. Bulgarian folk music dates back to Ancient Thrace, but receives strong impetus during the XIX and XX centuries. During this period it is primarily vocal, with a folklore sound. Later on choral singing comes into existence, being two types – ecclesiastical chants, performed only by men, and city.

Bulgarian folklore is divided into seven distinctive regions. Each one of them is unique with its own dialect, traditions, customs, songs and dances. They are as follows:

Northern region or Northern Bulgaria – This region encompasses most of Staraplanina ridge and the Danube valley. Usually it is divided into three under-regions: western (Montana, Vratza, a.o.), central northern (Veliko Tarnovo, Lovetch, Svishtov a.o.) and eastern (Razgrad, Shumen and Ruse).

Shopski region – Also often called Shopluk is to be found in Middle Western Bulgaria. It comprises of Srednogorie (Sofia region) and Kraishte (west of Sofia).

Thracian region or Thrace – considered the biggest region it is situated in the Thracian lowlands, in Southern Bulgaria. Because if its size it is divided in two areas – Middle and Western Thrace. Some its pivotal centers of culture are Plovdiv, Karlovo, Stara Zagora and Koprivshtitza.

Dobrudja region or Dobrudja – Dobrudja region is located in the northeastern part of Bulgaria. In the east it borders on the Black Sea, in the north on Danube, in the southwest on the Northern region. Characteristic of this region is its agricultural importance, which has a major impact on its songs.

Pirin region – also known as Macedonian folklore region it occupies the territories in southeastern Bulgaria. It stretches from the rivers Struma and Mesta in the east, to Macedonia in the west, Greece in the south, and Shopski region to the north. Although its territory is the smallest, its variety of genres is astounding. Most common songs are jetvarski and sedenkarski.

Rodopa region – it overlaps with the territory of the Rodopa mountains. An interesting fact is that the Rodopa song has the reputation of being unrestricted, endearing and deep-toned. Due to the small size of the towns and villages in this region, the prevalent theme for the artists has always been connected to the daily round, life and customs of the people.

Strandja region or Strandja – This region is region is situated in southeastern Bulgaria and borders on Thrace in the west, Black Sea in the east, Dobrudja in the north and Turkey in the south. Although this area has songs similar to the ones from Thrace it has distinct features setting it apart from the others.

Bulgarian folk songs and music show an extremely rich history, supporting the Bulgarian spirit over the years of servitude and resounding on weddings, homes, city / town squares, in the fields and at various holidays. To this day Bulgarian music perseveres and evolves, bearing the Bulgarian tradition and spirit.