“Multiculturalism in Slovakia in the 20th century – the Bulgarian minority” (2012)

Kristina was born into a bicultural family – her mother is Slovak and her father is Bulgarian. Her mother and father met at the university in Sofia, Bulgaria, and after they got married they moved to Slovakia. Their daughter Kristina has the great opportunity to compare two cultures. She talks about Bulgarian migration to Slovakia, the importance of language, cultural clubs, and keeping traditions.

PART 1

When I was just a little girl my mum and both grandmothers always made me weardifferent dresses and arranged special hairstyles for me. It was like a silent bet between them – who could make me look more like a doll? When their masterpiece was finished, my grandfathers and I were allowed toit at home and in May we were married. It was a spontaneous decision. I loved him and I wanted to marry him.” Tea Zacharová (neé Georgieva)

In 1901, a club in Komárno was for set up for Bulgarian gardeners. Over the years, the number of members increased and the club changed in to a Cultural association of Bulgarians and their friends in Slovakia. Today, the club has many branches e.g. in Martin, Banská Bystrica or Nitra. My father became a head of the branch in Martin about 2 years ago and I see clearly how it works. We meet twice or three times a year to celebrate the biggest holidays. There is also a Bulgarian school in Bratislava – playschool, primary and secondary school. In the school year