Straldja is a town in Southeastern Bulgaria. It is an administrative center of Straldja Municipality, Yambol region.

The town is located 17 km northeast of Yambol, 23 km west of Karnobat, about 30 km east of Sliven. The sea town of Burgas is some 80 km southeast and the capital of Sofia is 300 km to the west.

The population is about 6 300 people.

History

The first information about the town is found in Ottoman documents. The century history of the town is proved because of the remains from Thracian and medieval settlements. Later the settlement developed as a transport, economic and administrative center due to its geographic location – the town of Straldja is at main roads, which connect the Black Sea with North and South Bulgaria. Some documents reported that here was the burial of one of the most important representatives of the Bulgarian Revival - Otets Paisii Hilendarsky.

Tourism

There are open mineral springs near the town Straldzha,village of Stefan Karadjovo and village of Pravdino. They are suitable for sanatorium treatment. Hunting is practiced along the Tundja river. Opportunities for boat passaging along the middle course amidst lush vegetation and beautiful scenery. With the reconstruction of rural houses into small hotels can be developed the village tourism.

Combining walks through historic sites, with beautiful scenery and participation in cultural events can be finished with some tasting of the famous Yambol red wines in a pleasant winery environment.

Traditions

The city and the municipality are rich in cultural events and folk traditions. Even nowadays in Straldja is celebrated the Bulgarian custom called "Kudi" - a winter men's tradition, reflecting the attitude of the young lads to the hard work. 

Recordings of the christmas songs are a valuable archive that is stored in the local radio.

Mummers is also typical for the city and is held every year during early spring. With their interesting costumes the Straldzhan amummers were an attraction to a number of national festivals, as well as prize winners of the festival in Koprivshtitsa and the mummers festival in Pernik.

Аnnually is held the folk festival "Marash pee" which has a long history, and for several decades is in the national culture calendar of the country. With almost half a century of history is the Straldzhan dance group "Vazhichki", winner of a gold medal and participant in folklore festivals in many countries.

The city boasts with one of the oldest Orthodox churches in the country - "St. Archangel Michael". It preserved valuable relics and literature, dating back from the Ottoman rule over Bulgaria.

Education

In the town there are a city hall, a community center "Prosveta", two schools and two kindergartens. The basketball team of the townwas a national champion in 2002.

Health care

Medical and dentist help can be received in the polyclinic of Straldja, specialized medical care - in the hospital of Yambol.

Transport

Straldja is located just 5 km from the European route E-85, 6 km from the E-871 and 1 km from the route E-79. There are regular buses to Yambol, Sliven, Varna and Sofia.

Sources: http://www.straldzha.net/ 
Pictures: Internet