site.btaSixth Asian Festival to Take Place in Sofia on June 13-14

The sixth edition of the Asian Festival Sofia will take place on June 13 and 14 under the motto “Together in Friendship and Harmony” in the area next to Toplocentrala Centre for Contemporary Art in Sofia’s South Park, the organizers told a news conference at BTA on Wednesday.

Australia will participate in the Asian Festival for the first time.

The event is organized by the Embassy of Indonesia in cooperation with the diplomatic missions of Australia, Vietnam, India, Cambodia, China, Mongolia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan, the Republic of Korea and Japan. Dozens of stage performances are planned, presenting the richness and diversity of Asian cultures. Highlights of the programme include Chinese dragon and lion dances, demonstrations of the Japanese martial arts aikido and kendo, Korean taekwondo, the Indonesian martial art pencak silat, traditional and contemporary dances from India, Vietnam, Pakistan and the UAE, musical performances from Cambodia, folklore shows from Mongolia and numerous live performances by musicians and artistic formations from different countries.

The evening concerts are also expected to draw special attention, including a concert by Sabor Arabica on Saturday and a concert by K-pop Superstars from the UK on Sunday. The programme will also feature K-pop dance shows, anime cosplay performances, oriental dances, kung fu demonstrations and many folklore performances from various regions of Asia.

The festival will offer a variety of creative workshops, sports activities and demonstrations, a cultural bazaar and a special culinary zone, where visitors will be able to try authentic dishes and drinks from the participating countries. The organizers have also prepared themed workshops, educational initiatives and a summer cinema with Asian film titles for children and culture lovers.

This 2026 festival's edition is dedicated to an important charitable cause: supporting the Children with Onco-Haematological Diseases Association. Funds will be raised through the traditional charity raffle, in which visitors will be able to win one of more than 99 prizes provided by partners and friends of the festival in exchange for a donation. The funds raised will support the association’s rehabilitation programmes, sports initiatives and assistance for children and young people who have undergone cancer treatment.

Plamen Belchev of the Children with Onco-Haematological Diseases Association thanked the festival for its support. He spoke about the Balkan Sports Games for children and young people who have survived onco-haematological diseases, which are held in Panagyurishte. This year, there will be participants from Bulgaria, Serbia, Romania, Montenegro and Turkiye. The event is held under the patronage of President Iliana Iotova.

Indonesia's Ambassador to Bulgaria Listiana Operananta said that for Indonesia, this edition is particularly important because it coincides with an anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Bulgaria. "I believe that this is not just the beginning, but a very strong process of further strengthening our relations,” she added.

Cambodia's Ambassador Chea Chanboribo said that during the festival Cambodia’s stand will present various products and information revealing the rich history and culture of the country.

Mongolia's Ambassador Sayanaa Lkhagvasuren said it is very important for Mongolia to participate in this festival because since 2023 the country has been developing a campaign called “Welcome to Mongolia”. She added that the Mongolian government has waived visa requirements for tourists from 34 countries, including Bulgaria.

Pakistan's Ambassador Modasar Chaudhry said: “At this edition, we will once again give you the opportunity to enjoy the exotic tastes of Pakistan.” He said these are tastes and experiences enjoyed by people around the world. “We are happy that we can offer them here as well. We have planned henna painting for women of all ages. There will be various items made of wood, marble and other materials. We will also present traditional women’s clothing used for special occasions,” he added.

UAE's Ambassador Abdulrahman Aljaber said: “We are participating in this festival for the third time, and each time our country’s participation becomes broader and broader, so that we can show different aspects of its culture and traditions. This year, we will again present the cultural aspects of our country, but in a new way, with a special corner for intangible cultural heritage.” He added that the warm hospitality of his country and its people will be shown. “Various traditional dishes will be presented, and there will also be a live demonstration of Arabic coffee preparation,” he said.

Japan's Ambassador Chikahisa Sumi said: “Japan is returning to this festival to show different aspects of our country. Visitors will be able to enjoy arts such as origami, calligraphy, ikebana and traditional kimonos.” He added that on the main stage visitors will be able to enjoy the cosplay competition, which is becoming increasingly popular in Japanese culture. “There will be traditional dances and musical performances, martial arts and a culinary section,” he said.

Zhang Yanbo, Counsellor for Culture and Tourism at the Chinese Embassy, said: “We will present opportunities for an immersive experience in traditional Chinese arts, including calligraphy and others. The main stage will feature traditional dances, including a symbolic dragon and lion performance, as well as tai chi, wushu and other traditional activities that help strengthen the spirit from within, along with traditional dances.” She added that she was very happy that the festival is taking place with China’s active participation, because it is an opportunity to learn from one another and to allow many more friends from Bulgaria and around the world to experience China’s rich culture, traditions and history.

Australia's Ambassador Joana Kehlibarova said: “Australia is home to people from all over the world. Let us not forget that a large part of Australia is actually from Asia. These countries and their people have contributed greatly to building the new and modern Australia.” She added that Australia will participate with short videos aimed at presenting the nature, culture and beauty of the distant country. “Visitors will be able to meet representatives of the Australian Football League in Bulgaria, and children will be able to play with an Australian football. They will also be able to try the food that we will present at our stand,” she said.

Rositsa Dimitrova, trade assistant at the Embassy of India, said that through music, dance, cuisine, yoga and art, the country contributes to the festival’s vision and promotes greater understanding between peoples.