site.btaLos Angeles City Council Declares March 2026 Bulgarian Cultural Heritage Month

On March 13, the Los Angeles City Council presented an official resolution to the Consul General of Bulgaria in Los Angeles, Boyko Hristov, at the Los Angeles City Hall, declaring March as Bulgarian Cultural Heritage Month in the city, the Bulgarian Consulate in Los Angeles said, describing the recognition as historic for Bulgaria.

This is the first time in the city’s history that such recognition has been given, highlighting Bulgaria’s culture and the contributions of the Bulgarian community to the civic and cultural life of Los Angeles. The resolution was presented to Consul General Hristov by Councilmember Traci Park during a ceremony in a packed council chamber. It was signed by Mayor Karen Bass, City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Traci Park, and councilmembers from all 15 districts.

The resolution emphasizes Bulgaria’s rich history as one of Europe’s oldest countries, founded in 681, and its contributions to European civilization through unique cultural traditions, classical music, folklore, literature, and the visual arts. Special attention is given to the Bulgarian alphabet - Cyrillic, created in the 9th century, which continues to influence over 250 million people worldwide. 

It also notes joint efforts by Bulgaria, the Bulgarian diaspora, and Los Angeles institutions to install a monument to Cyrillic in the city, honoring Bulgaria’s historical contributions to global culture and symbolizing friendship and cultural exchange.

March is highlighted as a particularly meaningful month for Bulgaria because of the national holiday on March 3, Liberation Day, celebrating the restoration of Bulgarian statehood. The resolution also recognizes the active role of the Consulate in fostering cultural, educational, and artistic initiatives that build lasting cultural bridges between Bulgaria and Los Angeles.

The document highlights the Bulgarian-American community in Los Angeles, whose activities in art, education, business, science, and civic life enrich the city’s cultural diversity. It also cites notable Bulgarian-origin individuals with international recognition, including sculptor and artist Atanas Kachamakov and filmmaker Ted Kotcheff.

Throughout March 2026, Los Angeles will host concerts, exhibitions, educational programs, and public events showcasing Bulgarian cultural heritage and promoting mutual understanding and friendship between residents of Los Angeles and the Bulgarian people.

The ceremony was attended by a delegation of Bulgarian nationals, members of the Consulate staff, and representatives from all Bulgarian NGOs in Los Angeles, including the St. Cyril and Methodius Bulgarian School, Bulgarian-American Cultural and Educational Society of California (BACES), Bulgarian Educational and Cultural Society 'Pchela', Bg FACE Foundation, and Bulgarian-American Foundation for Culture and Education (BACEF).

The resolution continues the initiative by Consul General Hristov, titled March - Bulgarian Culture Month in Los Angeles, held for the second consecutive year. Events include concerts of Bulgarian classical music, folk costume shows, art exhibitions, screenings, literary evenings, and other programs celebrating Bulgaria’s cultural richness.

In honor of Bulgaria’s national holiday on March 3, Los Angeles City Hall was illuminated in the Bulgarian flag’s colors for the fifth consecutive year.