site.btaUPDATED 6th Asian Festival in Sofia Kicks Off

The sixth edition of the Asian Festival Sofia opened on Friday in the Bulgarian capital, bringing together diplomatic missions, cultural organizations and visitors for a two-day celebration of Asian cultures under the motto “Together in Friendship and Harmony.”

The festival, held on June 13-14 in South Park near Toplocentrala, is organized by the Embassy of Indonesia in Sofia in partnership with the diplomatic missions of Australia, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Mongolia, Pakistan, the Republic of Korea, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.

The event was officially opened by Deputy Foreign Minister Hristo Polendakov, Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev and representatives of the participating countries.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Polendakov described the festival as a bridge between the people of Bulgaria and Asia, saying that despite the geographical distance separating them, they are united by a shared pursuit of beauty and harmony. He also thanked Indonesia, the festival’s initiator and co-organizer, and noted that Bulgaria and Indonesia are marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. He expressed hope that the festival would be the first of many initiatives to further strengthen bilateral ties.

Mayor Terziev welcomed the festival’s continued growth, noting that it attracts an increasing number of participants from different countries every year and continuously expands its programme. “The more we know about each other and about the cultures of other nations, the closer we become,” he said.

Terziev thanked the Embassy of Indonesia and Ambassador Listiana Operananta, as well as all diplomatic missions and partners that have contributed to the development of the event over the years.

Interest among Asian tourists in the Bulgarian capital has increased in recent years. According to data from Visit Sofia, the number of overnight stays by visitors from China rose by 29% in 2025 compared with the previous year, the Sofia Municipality press office said after the opening of the Festival.

Chair of the National Assembly's Tourism Committee Rossitsa Kirova also addressed the opening ceremony, saying that the message of this year’s festival is especially relevant at a time when the world faces growing challenges.

“The message of this year’s Asian Festival is more important than ever. It reminds us that dialogue is stronger than confrontation, understanding is stronger than prejudice, and friendship remains one of the strongest foundations of peace,” Kirova said.

She noted that in her previous capacities as deputy speaker of parliament and chair of parliamentary friendship groups with Mongolia and Vietnam, she had the opportunity to welcome numerous high-level parliamentary delegations from across Asia. Those visits, she said, deepened her respect for the rich heritage, traditions and values of Asian nations.

Kirova described the festival as a symbol of cultural diplomacy in action, emphasizing that culture remains one of the most powerful forces for bringing people together in an increasingly divided world. Tourism and cultural exchange, she added, are among the most effective tools for promoting mutual understanding.

She also thanked Indonesian Ambassador Listiana Operananta and the festival’s organizing committee for their vision and leadership in creating what she called “a true bridge between Asia and Bulgaria.”

This year’s edition coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Indonesia and also marks Australia’s first participation in the festival.

According to Sofia Elefteriou of the South Korean Embassy, this is the largest edition of the festival so far and the first to be held over two days. Participating embassies have prepared gifts, cultural presentations and a variety of activities for visitors.

For the first time, the programme also includes an open-air film night featuring short films, among them a production prepared by the South Korean Embassy team that was presented at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Over the two festival days, South Park is hosting music and dance performances, traditional arts and crafts, martial arts demonstrations, and culinary presentations from countries across Asia. Visitors have the opportunity to experience a wide range of cultural traditions and meet the people who preserve and promote them. Traditional foods and beverages are also featured.

The Sofia Municipality supports the festival through its Summer Programme.

This year’s event is dedicated to a charitable cause supporting the Association of Children with Oncohematological Diseases. Kirova said the initiative was particularly moving because it demonstrated that culture can provide not only joy and inspiration but also hope, compassion and support for those who need it most.

Organizers also noted growing interest among Asian tourists in the Bulgarian capital. According to Visit Sofia data, overnight stays by visitors from China increased by 29% in 2025 compared with the previous year.

As a symbol of peace, friendship and understanding among nations, participants released white doves into the sky above Sofia at the conclusion of the opening ceremony.

Concluding her remarks, Kirova expressed hope that the friendships celebrated during the festival would continue to develop long after the event ends and that the bridges between Bulgaria and Asia would grow even stronger in the years ahead.