Nestinarstvo. The hypnotic fire dancing found exclusively in Bulgaria and as well in Greece. It is called locally the Nestinari Dance and is traditionally performed by women. A Nestinari would dance on burning embers and it requires quick but soft steps. It is an art like most dances and like most dances this requires technique. This tradition is of Thracian Bacchic origin. The Bacchae, priestesses of Dionysus would perform these exotic dances in ancient times. Because the religion of Dionysus was not exclusive to Phrygia and Thrace this tradition is found in modern day Greece as well and is known instead as Anastenaria. A deeper meaning can be drawn from this dance; a reverence for the sun, reincarnation and fertility are reocurring themes within this ancient tradition.
