site.btaUkrainian City of Bolhrad Celebrates 204 Years Since Its Founding

The city of Bolhrad in Ukraine, founded by Bulgarian settlers in Bessarabia on August 25, 1821, is celebrating its 204th anniversary. On the occasion of the holiday, a cultural programme is planned in the central square and in the city's cultural institutions. The events include a moment of remembrance, a ceremonial raising of the national and city flags, thematic initiatives, and an international folklore festival, said the Centre for Culture and Leisure with the Bolhrad City Council on Facebook.

Guests and residents of the city will also have the opportunity to visit a traveling book exhibition about the history and culture of the city of Artsyz, which will be open until 3 pm. The exhibition is part of a cooperation agreement signed between Bolhrad and Artsyz.

In addition, the Centre for Culture and Leisure will organize chess, backgammon, and checkers tournaments for children, youth, and people with disabilities.

At 3 pm, an International Folklore Festival will begin at 170 Inzovska Street. The festival will bring together participants from Ukraine, Moldova, and Bulgaria, featuring more than 30 performers.

The afternoon programme will also include a local producers' fair and exhibition, with proceeds to be donated to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Visitors will be able to explore handcrafted products, traditional Bulgarian cuisine, Bessarabian wines, and initiatives from cultural institutions.

In honour of the International Festival, the Executive Director of the State Agency for Bulgarians Abroad, Rayna Mandzhukova, is visiting the city.

Among the official guests for the 204th anniversary celebrations is the Consul General of Bulgaria in Odesa, Svetoslav Ivanov.

The day will conclude with a concert at the central square, scheduled for 6 p.m.

The festivities are part of a three-day celebration marking National Flag Day, Independence Day, and the anniversary of Bolhrad's founding.

Bolhrad is the administrative centre of the Bolhrad District, established during the administrative-territorial reform of July 17, 2020. The district comprises 10 municipalities, with over 60% of the population being of Bulgarian origin.