The founder of Ensemble “Horo” and the children’s group “Hortse” at the John Atanasoff Bulgarian School in Chicago has been awarded the title “Bulgarian Woman of the Year – 2018.” This prestigious recognition is presented by the State Agency for Bulgarians Abroad. Irinka Gocheva, the artistic director of both ensembles, hails from Sliven and was a dancer with the Ensemble for Folk Songs and Dances in her hometown for 25 years. Former colleagues from Sliven attended the award ceremony, bringing a congratulatory letter and flowers from the mayor of Sliven, Stefan Radev, as reported by the local administration.
“As the mayor of Sliven, I am proud that one of our citizens is among the individuals who work beyond the borders of our country yet continue to cherish their homeland and maintain strong ties to their Bulgarian roots,” the congratulatory message reads.
Gocheva is also a folk dance instructor in Sarasota, Florida, and an active participant in the Bulgarian-American Center for Cultural Heritage in Chicago.
This marks the tenth consecutive year that awards are presented to Bulgarians living abroad.