site.btaRivers of Sofia Festival Kicks Off

"Rivers can bring joy to our city like no other urban element," said Martin Yankov, founder of the The Collective Foundation, on the occasion of the start of the Rivers of Sofia Festival. It will take place along the Perlovska River in South Park from August 29 to 31.

"Rivers are the beginning of green systems; they are their backbone. They can offer almost everything this city needs — in terms of ecology, culture, and tranquility," added landscape architect Martin Yankov.

Since 2020, the Rivers of Sofia Festival has been trying to draw attention to Sofia's rivers, which for years had been forgotten. Their condition is now improved, and there is significantly more energy around them, he said. According to him, the strength of this initiative lies in the people who gather because of it.

Martin Yankov also noted that a Perlovska Path is currently being developed, which will connect Toplotsentralata to South Park.

According to Nadezhda Bobcheva, Sofia Deputy Mayor for Green System, Ecology, and Land Use, the initiative has changed the concept and perception of Sofia's rivers.

“The most important thing is that we now know the direction and where we want to go,” she said, adding that several cleanups have already taken place along the Perlovska River.

Speaking to BTA, Martin Yankov said that the impact of a revitalized river multiplies many times over in the urban environment.

“We chose the Perlovska River because it’s central and the most people would see what rivers are capable of. They can attract people, they can attract life,” said Martin Yankov.

He noted that they are continuing the project in the same location because they want consistency in their actions. “Perlovska River is the module we want to develop, the prototype that can set an example for other rivers,” he added.

According to him, the goal of the festival is to give society hope that rivers are not a lost cause. “The festival is like a time machine that shows us what could be,” said Martin Yankov. He also shared that the partnerships maintained by The Collective make the initiative sustainable.

The future of the festival is being built as it evolves, but the concept remains the same: a focus on rivers and bringing people together around the cause of long-term transformation, Martin Yankov summarized.

The festival will feature over 200 cultural events, including live music performances, craft workshops, artistic installations, and a conference entitled “The Rivers of Sofia.”

“The Rivers of the City” is a national initiative by The Collective, launched in 2020, which aims to restore the connection between Bulgarian cities and their rivers. At its core is the creation of strategic partnerships between local communities, institutions, businesses, and cultural organizations.