Rose Queen selected online for first time in Bulgarian town

This year's Rose Queen was selected online for the first time in the central Bulgarian town of Kazanlak on Monday, the organizers said in a press release.

Kazanlak was known for its Rose Festival, which has been organized annually since 1903. The festival celebrates local residents' deep connection to the Rosa Damascena -- the Bulgarian oil-bearing rose -- for centuries.

Traditionally, the Rose Queen contest is part of the annual Rose Festival in Kazanlak at the heart of the Valley of Roses. It was moved online this year due to the pandemic.

Maria Petrova has received 3,577 votes and became the 52nd winner of the prestigious title, Kazanlak Municipality said.

Suzan Igleva came second with 3,169 votes, followed by Stefani Krasteva with 1,774, it said.

As many as 16,098 people have voted for the 24 participants, according to the organizers.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)