The Great Bulgarian Invasion (or Maybe Not So Great) of Chicago: A Mystery Wrapped in Baklava
Ah, Chicago. City of wind, deep dish pizza, and...Bulgarians? That's right, folks. You might be surprised to learn that Windy City boasts the largest Bulgarian population outside of Bulgaria itself. But how many Bulgarians exactly are we talking about? Buckle up, because this is where things get interesting.
The Census Says...Hold My Beer (or Rakia)
The official count, according to the joyously detailed United States Census, puts the number of Bulgarian ancestry folks in Chicago at around 5,683. Now, that's a respectable number, but it feels a little...meager. Like, where's the bustling Bulgarian enclave? The towering Cyrillic script spelling out "Shish Kebabs" on every corner?
Enter the Whispers of the Baklava Belt
Here's where things get juicy. Chat with folks in the know (and maybe snag a slice of baklava while you're at it), and you'll hear whispers of a much larger Bulgarian community. Estimates range from a thrilling 20,000 to a downright splashy 30,000.
So, what's the disconnect? Well, some Bulgarians might not identify as solely Bulgarian-American on the census. Maybe they're second or third generation, or perhaps they just consider themselves Chicagoan through and through (with a healthy dose of baba's meatballs on the side).
The other possibility? Bulgarians are just that good at secret societies. Maybe they have a hidden network of underground rakia bars and dance clubs where they polka the night away (possible, not confirmed).
The Truth is Out There (Probably Eating Lutenitsa)
The real number of Bulgarians in Chicago might forever remain a delightful mystery. But hey, that's part of the charm, right? A city with a vibrant, under-the-radar community, keeping their traditions alive and their lutenitsa stocked.
So next time you're in Chicago, keep your eyes peeled for the telltale signs: a bakery with an abundance of rosewater-laced treats, a booming voice belting out Bulgarian opera on the bus, or maybe even a secret handshake involving yogurt and cucumbers (just kidding...maybe).
One thing's for sure: Chicago's Bulgarians are a force to be reckoned with, even if their exact numbers are a little fuzzy. Just like their delicious cuisine, they leave a lasting impression.
