The bride fair, a kind of annual debutante ball, offers the hope of a stable future for young Roma women, a group deemed vulnerable to racism and poverty across Europe.

In spite of declining incomes and unemployment, prices for brides at the traditional Roma bride bazaar in the village of Mogila have soared, a report by Bulgarian National Television said.

The market, which sees men bidding for brides every year on Todorovden – the day of St Todor, this year celebrated on March 12, saw prices from 2000 to 50 000 leva for brides "depending on their beauty," the report said.

The price is set by the girl’s parents, according to the Bulgarian National Television report, and girls were thoroughly prepared, made up and dressed in special outfits.

"The more light-skinned, the higher the price," Bulgarian National Television said.