Nestinarstvo

Nestinarstvo is a traditional ritual originating in the region of Eastern Thrace and associated with the cult of Saints Constantine and Helena. The custom is usually practised in the Strandzha region, situated between Bulgaria and northern Greece. The central part of the ritual involves participants, most often men, known as nestinari. They present themselves as priests or intermediaries between the earthly and heavenly worlds. The main element of the ritual is the nestinari's dance on hot coals or embers. The dance is performed barefoot, with participants demonstrating their faith and the presumed holiness of Saints Constantine and Helena. This act symbolises the body's ability to overcome painful obstacles and barriers of fire. In 2009, this unique ritual was included on UNESCO's List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. A Bulgarian board also included it on the National Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, “Living Human Treasures – Bulgaria”, following a proposal by the Regional History Museum in Burgas.