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The story
Cape Kaliakra on Bulgaria's northern Black Sea coast is one of the country's most legendary places. According to the best-known tale, forty Bulgarian maidens, rather than be taken captive by Ottoman invaders, tied their braids together and leapt from the cliffs into the sea.
Today the monument "Gate of the 40 Maidens" stands on the cape, and the legend has become a symbol of freedom and honour placed above wealth and power.
The song is an artistic retelling: in it the maiden Kaliakra refuses Ali Aga, and the sea still sings of her choice. It is a creative interpretation of folklore, not a historical record.
Lyrics
Original Bulgarian lyrics with English translation.
Verse 1
Крепостта последна до синьото море,
The last fortress beside the blue sea,
всеки тук горд е със българско сърце.
everyone here is proud of their Bulgarian heart.
Едно момиче с красота без край —
A maiden of endless beauty —
Калиакра — тук живее в този малък рай.
Kaliakra lives here in this little paradise.
Verse 2
Дошъл Али ага с войска силна, смела:
Ali Aga came with a mighty, fearless army:
„Калиакра ще е моя, туй е моята повеля.“
"Kaliakra will be mine — this is my command."
Тя отвърнала тихо: „Свободна ще съм аз,
She answered softly: "I shall be free,
род и чест не давам за богатство и за власт.“
I will not trade my kin and honour for riches and power."
Chorus
Калиакра, Калиакра,
Kaliakra, Kaliakra,
име светло през века.
a radiant name through the ages.
Свободата ти избра,
You chose freedom,
вечно ще живее тя.
and it will live forever.
Над морето песен звучи —
A song rises above the sea —
българският дух не мълчи.
the Bulgarian spirit will not be silenced.
Verse 3
Четиридесет моми сплетоха коси,
Forty maidens braided their hair together,
а вятърът отнесе техните мечти.
and the wind carried away their dreams.
Скочиха със вяра в морската шир,
With faith they leapt into the open sea,
да опазят вечно своята чест и мир.
to keep their honour and peace forever.
Chorus
Калиакра, Калиакра,
Kaliakra, Kaliakra,
свободата ти избра...
you chose freedom...
И днес морето пее песен
And even today the sea sings
за твоята съдба!
of your destiny!
