Welcome to the Official Site of Vetren dol

The Village

It is first mentioned in a Turkish document from 1633 by the name of Novo selo. In 1674 the name was changed to Ieli dere, which turned into Eli dere later on in 1845.

On a map from 1878 it was called Elme dere, but the most popular name remains Eli dere. The village has been wearing the name Vetren dol or Valley of the winds since 1934. The village was situated in the lower parts of the Karkaria ridge, where even today there are still some remains of the old settlement: a church and houses - all made of stone. The old vineyards used to be here – between the “Red soil” area which was called after the clay in the ground and Vrashtika River.

On a later stage the village went down at the foothill of the mountain or the old Vlahova neighborhood. It has expanded northeast recently. The population today is about 2000 people. There are 580 houses and 70 villas. Its total area is 5 200 decares. The forestry area is 12 500 decares and the villa zone-550. The holiday of the village is celebrated on Saint George’s Day on 6 May. On this day people gather near the Saint George’s chapel in the area “Batalite” to dance and sing and have a good time.

Another holiday is Todorovden, when the horse races are held.

On the first of January there are Kukeri games. People wear masks from sheep and goat fur and bells to chase the evil away. There are also a group, called the "Wedding", who go to every house and receive money, wine and food for health. Only men are allowed to wear masks on that day. In the past there was a bagpiper along with the group. Today there are two accordionists.

On the first of January there are Kukeri games. People wear masks from sheep and goat fur and bells to chase the evil away. There are also a group, called the “Wedding”, who go to every house and receive money, wine and food for health. Only men are allowed to wear masks on that day. In the past there was a bagpiper along with the group. Today there are two accordionists.