STEP INSIDE THE BULGARIAN BRIDE EVENT WHERE VIRGINS ARE SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER

[ReedeFox]

Every spring, the town of Stara Zagora in Bulgaria hosts a bride market where young virgins are proudly displayed in front of suitors who bid on them. The market is the biggest annual event for Bulgaria's Kalaidzhi Roma clan and see's around 18,000 people flocking to the bizarre festival.

The bride market is one of the last surviving Kalaidzhi traditions and it's crazy to think that in this day and age they still sell virgins. It's all a bit
medieval!



The market is a chance for poor families in the community to arrange marriages for their children that benefit them financially. The families that attend the festival are are part of a gypsy community and typically work as coppersmiths. They are the poorest people in the nation so the bride market gives families a chance to catch up with other families and start arranging matches for their children.

 

The prospective brides are usually dressed provocatively in mini skirts (think Big Fat Gypsy Wedding), with caked on makeup and stiletto heels. They dance by their male suitors on car hoods, which is odd considering the Kalaidzhi are devout Christians who take girls out of school at age 15 to keep them away from temptation.



If a boy and a girl really take a liking to each other, the adults then step in to negotiate. The cost of a bride can be anywhere between 5,000 and 10,000 leva (£2200 and £3800). The prices have dropped in recent years, as jobs have been scarce and families are tight on cash. But an exceptionally beautiful woman with many suitors can still command a really high price.

[kooky_007]

Errm. Based on the above images, the prospective brides are quite aesthetically dubious!  
Shall bid a fiver !

[FantasticMR]

Not one to be outdone but equally agree with the quality of what is being traded, I will bid at £5.27

[ReedeFox]

Yeah the girls are ropey as old boots but the blokes aren't much better to be fair. It's all acne and brown teeth! Mmmm