Strumyani Municipality is in Blagoevgrad Province, southwestern Bulgaria, bordering on the Republic of North Macedonia. It has a population of about 5000 people. The administrative seat is the village of Strumyani.
The name “Strumyani” means “people of the Struma” because the Struma river runs nearby.
Strumyani Municipality Contact Details:
Strumyani Municipality
Address:
2825 Strumyani Village
#1, 7th April Square
Tel: +359 (0)7434 31 08
Fax: +359 (0)7434 31 05
e-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
Office Hours: 08:00-17:00
24 Hour Emergency Numbers:
+359 (0)7434 20 66
+359 (0)878 98 21 38
Municipal Police:
+359 (0)878 42 82 42
Facebook: obstina.strumani
History of Strumyani Municipality
Strumyani Municipality is a rural area made up of 21 villages, most of which have existed for centuries. The village of Strumyani finds its roots in a station called Gara Ograzhden on the Sofia-Kulata railway line. It merged with the neighboring village Mikrevo in 1970 and the name of the new village was changed to Strumyani. In 1991 Mikrevo was reestablished as a separate entity. The remaining village retained the name Strumyani and remained the municipal seat.
Strumyani Historical Timeline
Geography of Strumyani Municipality
Strumyani Municipality covers an area of 355 sq km (137 sq mi). It is in the southwestern part of Blagoevgrad Province, bordering on the Republic of North Macedonia.
There are 21 villages and towns in the municipality with a total population of about 5,500 people. In addition to Strumyani, the administrative seat, the villages include Dobri Laki, Drakata, Goreme, Gorna Krushitsa, Gorna Ribnitsa, Igralishte, Ilindentsi, Kamenitsa, Klepalo, Karpelevo, Kolibite, Mahalata, Mikrevo, Nikudin, Palat, Razdol, Sedelets, Tsaparevo, Velyushtets and Vrakupovitsa. Mikrevo is the largest village in the municipality with a population of about 2000 people.
Economy of Strumyani Municipality
The historical economic focus of Strumyani Municipality was tobacco and other agricultural crops. Over the last 30 years, the focus has broadened to include all manner of fruits and vegetables as well as perennials such as fig, almond, olive and pomegranate trees.
Tourism in Strumyani Municipality
Strumyani Municipality contains a broad range of natural, cultural and historical resources of interest to tourists from around the world. The municipality also enjoys proximity to established tourist destinations Bansko and Sandanski.
Natural Areas
Strumyani Municipality includes Pirin National Park and the Sokolata Nature Reserve.
- A small part of the Pirin National Park is located in the northeastern part of Strumyani municipality. The park is of national and international importance. It is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The Sokolata Nature Reserve was established in 1985 to protect the only remaining stand of Hungarian Oak in the region, including some specimens over 250 years old. It is home to wildlife including wild boar, deer, partridge, wolf, fox, and gray rabbit. The reserve is located 6 km southwest of Igralishte village and covers an area of 2.2 sq km.
Churches
Most of the historically significant churches in the Strumyani Municipality are located within the Maleshevska mountain range and reflect the partially submerged architectural style typical of the Ottoman period.
Traditional Holidays
Each village celebrates its own annual holiday, offering an opportunity for families to revisit their roots and foreigners to discover the wonders of local culture and traditions.
The Feast of the Wine Gods is celebrated annually in the village of Ilindentsi, known for its vineyards and wines. It takes place on the first Saturday in February. It includes solemn ceremonies, a traditional vines cutting and a competition for the best wine, as well as a rich cultural program.
The Maleshevo Sings and Dances International Folklore Festival takes place annually during the month of October. For three days groups from all over the world gather in Mikrevo to make friends through music and dance. The festival celebrates traditional music and dance from Bulgaria, the Balkans and around the world.
Museums in Strumyani Municipality
Famous People from Strumyani Municipality
Kiril Manolov Anastasov Inventor
Metodi Kostadinov Bakalov Engineer
Sasho Georgiev Chanev Sports
Methodi Georgiev Lozanski Performer
Georgi Slavchev Markov Athlete
Kostadin Blagoev Ruichev Folklorist
Ivan Rusev Sculptor
Simeon Atanasov Shterev Athlete
Kiril Zlatkov Stankovski Folklorist
Hristo Kostadinov Stoyanov Folklorist
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