site.btaSeptember 1, 1984: Apollonia Festival of Arts Holds First Edition in Sozopol

On September 1, 1984, Sozopol hosted the first edition of the Apollonia Festival of the Arts. Being one of the longest-running art festivals in Bulgaria, it has grown into Bulgaria's premier multidisciplinary arts festival, held annually at the end of summer. It has survived Bulgaria’s transition from socialism to democracy, adapting to new cultural realities while preserving its original artistic spirit.

It features music, theater, cinema, literature, visual arts, and photography. It attracts both emerging talents and renowned Bulgarian artists.

Apollonia boosts Sozopol as a cultural destination. Every year, it transforms the ancient seaside town of Sozopol into a cultural hub, drawing thousands of visitors.

Following is a dispatch from the event published in the Bulgarian-language service of BTA.

Apollonia'84 Art Festival Opens in Sozopol

Sozopol, September 1, 1984 (BTA)  - Tonight, the Apollonia'84 Arts Festival, which is the first multidisciplinary arts festival in Bulgaria, officially opened in the Old Town of Sozopol. The event was organized by the Committee for Culture, the creative unions, the municipal chapter of the Bulgarian Communist Party (BCP), the Municipal People’s Council, and the Municipal Council for Culture. It is dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the September 9 Socialist victory. The initiative is part of a comprehensive program for cultural development in Sozopol Municipality.

The opening night offered residents and guests of the town several notable performances: Retro, a show by the Ivan Vazov National Theatre in Sofia, a concert by People's Artist [opera singer] Nikola Gyuzelev, and a violin recital by the duo Angel Stankov and Yosif Radionov.

Over the next twelve days, distinguished Bulgarian musicians, writers, actors, and filmmakers will present their work at venues including a specially built amphitheater, the Cultural Center, and the restored Church of St. Cyril and Methodius. Theater companies from the Theatre of the People’s Army, Theatre 199, the Burgas Drama Theatre and the Central Puppet Theatre in Sofia will present their latest productions.

Poets Lyubomir Levchev, Valeri Petrov, Hristo Fotev, and Nedyalko Yordanov will give solo recitals. There will also be exhibitions of painting, graphics, and small sculpture. Film enthusiasts will attend the premiere of "Everest-84", a documentary by Milan Ognyanov, and have the opportunity to meet members of the expedition.

The Apollonia'84 Arts Festival puts the beginning of a cultural initiative that is intended to become a tradition, allowing residents and visitors of the Sozopol area to engage with the most significant works of socialist art.