https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/rss Sun, 02 Aug 2026 01:39:04 +0300 en hourly 1 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1177981-jam-on-the-river-draws-23-000-closes-with-all-star-big-band-finale https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1177981-jam-on-the-river-draws-23-000-closes-with-all-star-big-band-finale Sat, 01 Aug 2026 21:53:43 +0300 The eighth Jam on the River International Music and Arts Festival closed with a concert by Antoni Donchev’s All-Star Big Band in Debnevo on Saturday. Organizers said the four-day event drew about 23,000 people. Some of Bulgaria’s leading jazz musicians, including saxophonist Dimitar Lyolev, trumpeter Mihail Yossifov and trombonist Vladislav Michev, performed under Donchev’s baton. Festival founder and Troyan Deputy Mayor Veronika Todorova and kaval player Vladimir Velichkov were the soloists. For the Debnevo concert, Donchev presented a programme consisting mainly of contemporary European music. Some pieces were written by members of the All-Star Big Band, while the rest were works by established European composers. The programme also featured the jazz standards Birdland by composer Joe Zawinul, written for Weather Report, and Caravan, one of the genre’s signature works, associated with bandleader Duke Ellington. The evening opened with a concert by Velichkov’s quartet, featuring bassist Alexander Lekov, pianist Yordan Tonovski and drummer Alexander Kamenov. Todorova joined as a special guest. The musicians performed a programme inspired by Bulgarian folklore and contemporary global influences. The concert brought the eighth edition of Jam on the River to a close after four days of Bulgarian and international performers, exhibitions, art initiatives and creative workshops in Debnevo. Seven concerts were presented from July 29 to August 1 on festival stages by the Vidima River, in the courtyard of St Petka Church, at Ivan Vazov Primary School and beneath Kamen Bridge. The opening night featured musical improvisations by handpan player Matey Vakavliev and saxophonist Ivo Vakavliev, as well as a concert by the Sofia Glavopoulou Quartet combining Greek folk music and jazz. The second day ended with Harp Beyond Borders, performed by Bulgarian-French harpist, singer and composer Rossitza Milevska, double bassist Mihail Ivanov and drummer Atanas Popov. On July 31, the programme featured Eva Quartet, formed 30 years ago by soloists from The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices, and international group Lind·Froot. The festival also offered art workshops, a handmade-goods market, a gourmet area showcasing local producers, and games and entertainment for its youngest visitors. The concerts drew about 23,000 visitors from Bulgaria and abroad over the four evenings, the organizers told BTA. Alongside the concerts, visitors could see four exhibitions: Fest Cultural Salon at Ivan Vazov Primary School in Debnevo; On the Wings of Faith in the courtyard of St Petka Church; art installations beneath Kamen Bridge, created during the first Debnevo Art Residency; and photographer Vladimir Karamazov’s In Their Place at the National Exhibition of Arts and Crafts in Oreshak. The eighth edition brought the festival closer to its original ambition of becoming an international event of high artistic quality presenting music and other art forms, Todorova told BTA after it ended. “I believe the eighth edition is now an established example of what determination and a clear vision can achieve in developing cultural events and forums of this kind. I can now say we are very close to the dream I had in 2018, to create an international festival presenting world-class art, not only music,” Todorova said. Todorova said this year’s edition broadened its artistic scope with exhibitions featuring international participation that complemented the traditional concert programme. Todorova said she relied on her intuition and years of professional experience as a musician when selecting participants. “We choose the most exciting artists through that intuition, my sense of what our audience expects and my experience as a performer and soloist,” Todorova said. Todorova said it was no coincidence that Donchev’s All-Star Big Band project, created especially for Jam on the River, closed the festival. She described Donchev as one of the leading names on Bulgaria’s music scene and said she had long dreamed of presenting his work to the festival audience. New features at the eighth edition included the Debnevo Art Residency, the stage beneath Kamen Bridge and the exhibition in the gym at Ivan Vazov Primary School. Todorova said the initiatives were well received and would continue to develop. “I believe this gives our guests a chance to discover the hidden gems of smaller communities,” Todorova said. The art residency will remain part of next year’s programme, with organizers inviting both returning and new artists. The exhibitions will also continue and expand. Preparations for the next edition have already begun, and musicians have shown exceptionally strong interest, Todorova said. “Last night alone, after the concert, I received more than 20 proposals from various highly accomplished Bulgarian groups eager to take part. In a single evening, we could fill the programmes for the next three editions,” Todorova said. Todorova said stable funding would also be needed to deliver the festival’s future plans. The Bulgarian News Agency served as the festival’s official media partner for the third consecutive year. Culture BTA correspondent Preslava Ivanova Kaloyan Kirilov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1177965-kotel-carpet-festival-celebrates-a-decade-of-colour-and-tradition https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1177965-kotel-carpet-festival-celebrates-a-decade-of-colour-and-tradition Sat, 01 Aug 2026 20:23:00 +0300 The tenth edition of the Ethnicity, Colour and Kotel Carpet Festival opened in Kotel’s Izvorite Park on Saturday. Kotel Mayor Kosta Karanashev said the festival began as an idea a decade ago and had since become an established cultural event. This year, amateur ensembles from 43 community centres across Bulgaria are presenting folk programmes and customs. Nova Zagora Mayor Galya Zaharieva recalled saying at the inaugural edition that Karanashev had put Kotel back on Bulgaria’s map. “This festival has shown for ten years that what brings us together far outweighs what divides us,” Zaharieva said. Donated Kotel carpets were presented to the public for the first time, and visitors welcomed the festival mascot Kotlencheto. Rakovski Association Secretary Zdravcho Zdravchev said he donated one carpet because it was linked to the memory of his great-grandfather Krastyu Baychev and his family’s roots in Kotel. “Where it began is where it should return,” Zdravchev said. A great-grandson of Bulgarian revolutionary Rayna Knyaginya, Zdravchev also presented his book Know Your Family and Be. The festival featured Bulgarian, Turkish, Karakachan, Roma, Croatian-Slovenian and fishing villages, alongside artisan displays, weaving and natural wool-dyeing demonstrations, photography exhibitions and children’s workshops. The Croatian community from Slovenia and Bulgaria was the special international guest, presenting traditional food, music, folklore and customs. The programme also included the 11th Rodolyubie National Meeting of Luthiers in Bulgaria, with craftspeople competing to make the 2026 instrument of the year in the gaida, kaval, gadulka, tambura and tupan categories. Saturday evening’s programme will feature Jambol Project, a kukeri procession, the Chinari Ensemble’s National Revival Stories production, singer Orlin Goranov and Akaga. The festival continues on Sunday, August 2, with The Sea Visits the Mountain in Kotel programme, featuring a quiz, noughts and crosses and other activities for children. The festival has been part of Kotel Municipality’s cultural calendar since 2016. Its seventh edition in 2023 likewise filled Izvorite Park with folk music, crafts and events celebrating Kotel carpet weaving. Kotel is one of Bulgaria’s major kilim-weaving centres. A 2026 documentary on the Kotel kilim explored the craft’s centuries-old techniques, symbolism and role in family customs, featuring surviving master weavers as part of efforts to secure UNESCO recognition for the tradition. Culture BTA Correspondent Sabina Stefanova Kaloyan Kirilov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1177953-borovets-jazz-festival-screens-orchestra-of-sofia-in-memory-of-rosen-elezov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1177953-borovets-jazz-festival-screens-orchestra-of-sofia-in-memory-of-rosen-elezov Sat, 01 Aug 2026 19:21:45 +0300 The documentary Orchestra of Sofia by film director Rosen Elezov was screened at the Dr Emil Iliev International Jazz Festival in Borovets on Saturday. The screening at the Rila Hotel also honoured Elezov, who died in 2025. The festival opened on Friday, July 31, and runs through August 4. Festival Director Tatyana Ilieva said jazz-related films were being shown for a second consecutive year following strong audience interest in 2025. Daily cinema afternoons will continue through August 4. Veselin Iliev, the brother of festival founder Emil Iliev, attended Saturday’s screening with Margarita Ilieva. Film critic Bozhidar Manov said the roughly hour-long screenings gave audiences an opportunity to broaden their horizons and described Elezov’s body of work as a major legacy. Elezov and screenwriter Helia Chavdarova co-authored all the films in the series. Manov added that freedom was the essence of jazz. Chavdarova, Elezov’s widow, thanked the audience for honouring her husband. She said he had played the violin as a child until a broken arm led him to leave a children’s music ensemble and later become a director. Music remained a constant presence in his life, and many of his films focused on it, she added. Born in 1953, Elezov worked as a filmmaker and film scholar at Boyana Film Studios, Ekran Film Studio and Bulgarian National Television (BNT), among other outlets. He also taught at the Krastyo Sarafov National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts (NATFA). His honours included awards from the Union of Bulgarian Filmmakers, the Balfest International Film Festival, the Golden Rhyton Festival and the International Golden Knight Film Festival. The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), which launched the BTA National Press Club for Jazz in late April, is a media partner of the festival. Culture Kaloyan Kirilov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1177935-clarinettist-marinov-charts-eastern-quartet-s-journey-from-pandemic-to-festival- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1177935-clarinettist-marinov-charts-eastern-quartet-s-journey-from-pandemic-to-festival- Sat, 01 Aug 2026 17:53:00 +0300 The Eastern Quartet formed by chance during the COVID-19 pandemic, clarinettist Atanas Marinov said Saturday before its performance at the Dr Emil Iliev International Jazz Festival in Borovets. Marinov and violinist Sorin Spasinovich founded the Swiss quartet. “We started playing well-known classical pieces for fun,” Marinov said. They later decided to pursue the project seriously and recruited accordionist Seraphim von Werra to perform classical and jazz music. Another pianist joined briefly before pianist Dominik Blum took over and became a permanent member. A long-time piano teacher, Blum is von Werra’s father. The musicians said their concept was to perform works in their original form before offering their own interpretations. Their constant improvisation led them to include two chordal instruments, piano and accordion, in the ensemble. The musicians said every member contributed to the performances. They all put forward ideas, discussed them and decided together what to play and how. The audience will hear works by various composers Saturday evening. The quartet performed at festivals and concerts in Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Turkiye, Switzerland, France and Romania. Spectrum Vocal Band will also take the stage Saturday evening. The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), which launched the BTA National Press Club for Jazz in late April, is a media partner of the festival. Culture Kaloyan Kirilov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1177911-artist-tenev-gissen-turns-boris-hristov-poem-into-36-work-exhibition https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1177911-artist-tenev-gissen-turns-boris-hristov-poem-into-36-work-exhibition Sat, 01 Aug 2026 17:02:57 +0300 Artist Zhivko Tenev-Gissen’s new exhibition, Graphics - BH, has opened at the Gissen Online Museum, his team said Saturday. The 36 works are based on poet Boris Hristov’s poem Graphics. The exhibition will remain on the museum’s homepage for one month before moving permanently to its graphics section. The initials BH refer to Boris Hristov rather than Bulgarian artist. Each work has a title composed of words from the poem, with the 36 titles reproducing the entire text when read in sequence. “Most artists create one graphic work for an entire section of a poetry collection, but I decided to take this very special approach. I hope all these works are fully in the spirit of the poem and enrich it even further,” Tenev-Gissen said. Tenev-Gissen has served as editorial artist for Antenneair.eu since the news site was founded 19 years ago. Over the past 25 years, he has held more than 180 solo exhibitions spanning painting, graphic art, caricature, poster design and photography. He has won awards at international exhibitions in Italy, Syria, China and North Korea. His recent exhibitions become part of the Gissen Online Museum, which holds more than 4,000 artworks. Culture Kaloyan Kirilov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1177694-culture-minister-opens-29th-bansko-jazz-festival https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1177694-culture-minister-opens-29th-bansko-jazz-festival Fri, 31 Jul 2026 21:59:00 +0300 Culture Minister Evtim Miloshev opened the 29th Bansko Jazz Festival on Friday evening. Speaking from the festival's main stage in the central square of the mountain resort, he addressed the audience ahead of the start of the ten-day music event. "Jazz is freedom, music is freedom, and here in Bansko, at the foot of the mountains, freedom is experienced in a completely different way," Miloshev said. He noted that for the past 29 years, jazz and music have allowed people in Bansko to experience and breathe freedom in a unique way, demonstrating that freedom is not just a single moment but an enduring process in the mountain town. "This is a place that brings friends together, a place where emotions are shared and celebrated," Miloshev added. He wished residents and visitors alike ten evenings of jazz during which they would feel happy and free, and be able to express their emotions. Miloshev also said he was pleased that the Culture Ministry is a partner of what has become one of Bulgaria's established and long-standing music festivals. The Bansko Jazz Festival spirit can be felt everywhere, on the stages, in the streets, the bars and restaurants, in people’s conversations and smiles, even high up in the mountain, Bansko Mayor Stoycho Banenski said, as he officially opened the 29th edition of the town’s jazz festival. Bansenski welcomed the residents of Bansko and the festival’s guests. "Jazz is the music of improvisation and freedom," he said, and urged the audience to free themselves from thoughts of the hour, of time, of schedules. "When the jazz festival in Bansko begins, time is not measured in hours and days, but in concerts, applause, smiles, emotions, encounters and pleasant moments," the mayor added. Guests at the festival’s official opening this evening included Environment and Water Minister Rositsa Karamfilova, Deputy Culture Minister Marina Vasileva, the mayor of the neighbouring municipality of Razlog Krasimir Gerchev, Bansko municipal councillors and others. In his welcoming address, Banenski thanked them for attending the festival, as this represents a unique form of support for Bansko’s efforts to establish itself as a year-round tourist, cultural and festival destination of regional, national and international significance. This year's festival opened with a concert celebrating the 75th anniversary of renowned Bulgarian composer and pianist Lyubomir Denev. Following the official opening ceremony, the Antoni Donchev All Star Big Band, joined by vocalists Militsa Gladnishka, Camellia Todorova, and Orlin Pavlov, took to the stage. The first festival evening will also feature legendary American drummer Billy Cobham, who will perform his Time Machine project, a musical journey through different stages of his distinguished career. This year's Bansko Jazz Festival features 83 concerts across four stages, bringing together musicians from 20 countries. The ten-day event runs through August 9. Culture Risida Dimitrova BTA correspondent Desislava Velkova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1177697-fifth-anniversary-edition-of-dr-emil-iliev-international-jazz-festival-opens-in- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1177697-fifth-anniversary-edition-of-dr-emil-iliev-international-jazz-festival-opens-in- Fri, 31 Jul 2026 22:32:00 +0300 The fifth anniversary edition of the Dr Emil Iliev International Jazz Festival opened on Friday evening in the mountain resort of Borovets. The festival will run through August 4, featuring a rich programme of jazz performances. It is held under the patronage of Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova and opened with the festival anthem, performed by the Blagoevgrad Big Band. Festival Director Tatyana Ilieva presented honorary Dr Emil Iliev plaques to a number of sponsors, supporters, and colleagues in recognition of their contribution to the festival. Among the recipients were Samokov Mayor Angel Dzhorgov, Veska Todorova, the municipality's chief public relations expert, as well as the event's hosts Boris Pankin, Nikolay Zahariev, and Eliana Zaharieva, who is also a member of the organizing team. Ilieva noted that this year's edition marks a small milestone for the festival in its current home of Borovets. She said the organizers' ambition is to make jazz a major attraction for both the resort and its visitors. "The smiles on your faces give us every reason to believe that what we have set out to do is the right thing," Ilieva said, thanking the leadership of Samokov Municipality for its continued support. "We are not simply opening another music festival, we are continuing a tradition established nearly 30 years ago by Dr Emil Iliev," she added. Deputy Tourism Minister Georgi Todorov said he was delighted to be in Borovets and congratulated both the municipality and the organizers. He noted that art knows no boundaries and resonates across mountains such as the nearby Rila range, expressing hope that the festival would attract even more visitors in the years ahead. During the ceremony, Todorov presented the festival's honorary award to Vasil Hristov, a 12-year-old athlete who has won numerous national and international awards in swimming, cycling, and running (triathlon). Mayor Angel Dzhorgov said Samokov Municipality is proud to have included the festival in its cultural calendar for the past five years, describing it as the municipality's most significant cultural event. He added that the festival creates added value for the region by attracting visitors and culture enthusiasts, and expressed confidence that this year's edition would maintain its high standards. Bulgarian National Television journalist Angel Bonchev read congratulatory messages from President Iliana Iotova, Culture Minister Evtim Miloshev and Sports Minister Encho Keryazov. Keryazov's message also included congratulations to the young athlete Vasil Hristov. In her message, President Iotova said that over the years the festival has firmly established itself as one of Bulgaria's most prestigious music events, bringing together leading Bulgarian and international jazz artists, emerging young talent, and audiences united by their love of music. The evening continued with a performance by the Blagoevgrad Big Band, whose programme featured not only jazz but also swing, Latin, and funk music. The festival resumes on Saturday evening, but earlier in the day, readers will have the opportunity to meet acclaimed Bulgarian author Zdravka Evtimova at the Prof. Vasil Zahariev Art Gallery in Samokov. The accompanying programme also includes jazz-themed afternoon film screenings. The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), which announced the establishment of a National Jazz Press Club in late April, is the festival's media partner. Culture Risida Dimitrova BTA correspondent Ivan Laskin https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1177651-contemporary-bessarabian-costumes-inspired-by-traditional-designs-displayed-at-n https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1177651-contemporary-bessarabian-costumes-inspired-by-traditional-designs-displayed-at-n Fri, 31 Jul 2026 20:21:00 +0300 An exhibition titled "Traditional Shirt with Altita (embroidery on the shoulder): Stories from Folklore Heritage Brought Back to Life", featuring contemporary Bessarabian and Ukrainian folk costumes inspired by traditional designs, opened at the National Ethnographic Museum of the Institute of Ethnology and Folklore Studies with Ethnographic Museum on Friday. The exhibition will be open to visitors until August 30. It is part of the museum's programme marking its 120th anniversary. The display features traditional garments recreated by the Sezatoarea Basarabiei (Bessarabian Gathering) community after folk costumes preserved in the collection of Moldova's National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History in Chisinau. The hand-crafted shirts were reconstructed following research into the original garments' patterns, embroidery, colours and symbolism. Addressing the opening ceremony, Bozhidar Parvanov, Deputy Director of the Institute of Ethnology and Folklore Studies, which is an academic unit of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, said the exhibition offered a deeper insight into Moldova's cultural heritage. "The delicate and symmetrical embroidery on the garments created by the Sezatoarea Basarabiei community reflects the exceptional skills of contemporary Moldovan artisans and craftspeople inspired by tradition and cultural heritage," he said. Parvanov noted that the museum had worked closely with the Moldovan Embassy in Bulgaria on numerous exhibitions and projects that had helped strengthen ties between the two countries, especially in science and culture. Moldovan Ambassador Emil Jacota said in his address: "Here, a centuries-old tradition meets our fast-paced everyday life." The diplomat said the project's main objective was to preserve the national heritage, as well as the local diversity of traditional clothing. The artisans recreated and restored the embroidery patterns using sketches, photographs and authentic garments. Each has contributed something of her own in line with her creative vision, he said. The Sezatoarea Basarabiei community includes teachers, museum specialists, engineers and mothers caring for their children. Jacota said the shirts were created by the community using traditional materials and drawing on the rich legacy of historic techniques and motifs found in the original embroidery. The embroidered shirt is regarded as the most important garment and the finest item worn by women and girls. The exhibition presents a priceless treasure of traditional Romanian and Bessarabian costume, bringing it back into contemporary life as a symbol of identity, the ambassador said. Ashot Kazaryan, Deputy Mayor of Sofia's Vitosha district, said the similarities in the embroidery traditions reflected the long-standing ties between Bulgaria and Moldova. Raina Mandzhukova, Executive Director of the State Agency for Bulgarians Abroad, said that while every cultural heritage handed down by ancestors was unique, common elements could always be found. "The role of such exhibitions and of every initiative that showcases these treasures is to enrich us and make us more thoughtful, wiser and more knowledgeable. All this brings us closer together and makes us richer and more tolerant towards one another," she said. Culture Diana Dukovska Kalina Boyadzhieva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1177383-education-minister-heard-in-parliament-on-natfa-protests https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1177383-education-minister-heard-in-parliament-on-natfa-protests Fri, 31 Jul 2026 18:27:00 +0300 Education and Science Minister Georgi Valchev responded to questions related to recent protests staged by students of the National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts (NATFA) during Question Time on Friday. Valchev responded to questions by Continue the Change MPs Velislav Velichkov and Nikolay Denkov. Velichkov demanded Valchev’s personal assessment of an alleged risk posed to NATFA's further participation in the European university alliance FilmEU. Valchev was called upon to explain what measures his Ministry would take to manage the risk and to improve the academic process. According to Velichkov, the present crisis was caused both by the actions and inactions of NATFA Rector Prof. Miroslav Dachev. In response to Velichkov’s concerns, the Education Minister stressed that the Governing Board had made no formal decision to remove NATFA from the alliance. According to him, the irregularities found during the inspections did not present a danger to NATFA’s participation in the project. “The Education Ministry strictly fulfills its obligations to adhere to the academic autonomy principle, defined in both the Higher Education Act and the Constitution, due to which he could not interfere in the relations between different academic entities," Valchev added. Following a complaint alleging irregularities filed by six NATFA lecturers on January 21, 2026, the Ministry’s Internal Audit Unit initiated inspections covering the period between January 1, 2023 and September 30, 2025. Valchev pointed out that the audit indicated a lack of regulated operating rules for the Board of Trustees, initially required under the Higher Education Act. There was also non-compliance with the internal regulations regarding the minimum number of students per group. The reported expenditure under the FilmEU+ project until  September 30, 2025 amounted to over EUR 480,000, while deficiencies in internal controls led to undue payments and improper accounting of expenditure worth more than EUR 53,000. Valchev underscored that NATFA remained a full member of the project and, as such, fulfilled its requirements under the grant agreement. No data indicated that there was a breach of the contract. Simultaneously, the alliance coordinator expressed concerns about NATFA’s future membership in the project. In a formal letter dated July 17, he noted that the required  institutional involvement in the alliance's dialogue and governance was insufficient. This brought up discussions about whether to phase out NATFA’s membership or to change the academy’s current status. MP Nikolay Denkov asked Valchev whether NATFA’s Rector has had committed to fulfilling the alliance’s board requirements and whether the Ministry undertook actions regarding the selection procedure issue. The Education Minister responded that Dachev agreed to personally engage in a meeting so that any misconceptions concerning the situation could be resolved. Valchev called for no further political escalation of the situation. On July 30, NATFA students staged the latest of a series of protests before the facility’s building in Sofia, under the title #OstavkaGathering (#ResignationGathering). They demanded Dachev’s resignation once again. A meeting between him and protestors was organized by the Ministry of Education and the National Representation of Student Councils on July 15. During the meeting  Dachev denied the existence of motives threatening NATFA's participation in the European FilmEU alliance, while protesting students expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency and constructive dialogue. Culture Ivan Dolev Momchil Rusev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1177536-bulgaria-s-iconic-actor-georgi-partsalev-to-be-commemorated-with-immersive-museu https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1177536-bulgaria-s-iconic-actor-georgi-partsalev-to-be-commemorated-with-immersive-museu Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:52:00 +0300 Construction of a museum dedicated to Bulgaria's iconic actor Georgi Partsalev will begin in his hometown of Levski on August 4, municipal official Lyubka Hristova said Friday. The 245 sq m museum and exhibition centre will stand in central Levski beside the municipality building and the community centre named after Partsalev, creating a single cultural complex. Rather than simply housing memorabilia, the museum will use virtual, audio and sensory technology to evoke the experience of live theatre. It will display Partsalev’s personal belongings, furniture, stage props, icons, costumes and musical instruments, alongside film and theatre excerpts and recordings of his monologues and songs. Theatrical lighting, professional acoustics and concealed wiring will allow the space to host film screenings, digital presentations and chamber one-man shows. A separate gallery will accommodate permanent exhibitions by local artists and visiting exhibitions. The project is funded under an agreement between the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works and Levski Municipality through the Municipal Projects Investment Programme. The funding covers construction and building supervision. The building will have intelligent climate-control systems and renewable energy sources providing some of the electricity required for lighting and hot water. Its 8-metre-high museum section will resemble a slightly sloping truncated pyramid. Hristova said the centre would benefit local residents and Bulgaria’s cultural heritage while attracting more cultural tourists. Another local attraction, the Zemlyatsite three-figure sculpture depicting Partsalev, fellow actor Grigor Vachkov and writer Doncho Tsonchev, was unveiled in November 2025 by then vice president Iliana Iotova. A commemorative plaque was also installed at the site of Partsalev’s childhood home. Culture Yuriy Konov Kaloyan Kirilov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1176933-bulgaria-acquires-historian-ivan-gadzhev-s-archive https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1176933-bulgaria-acquires-historian-ivan-gadzhev-s-archive Thu, 30 Jul 2026 23:14:06 +0300 Bulgaria has acquired the building and archival holdings of the Institute for the History of Bulgarian Emigration in North America Ilia Todorov Gadzhev, the State Archives Agency (SAA) said on Thursday. The Agency said that on July 29, 2026, under a decision of the Council of Ministers submitted by Deputy Prime Minister Ivo Hristov, SAA Chair Mihail Gruev was authorized to conclude a contract for the purchase of the property on behalf of the State and for its transfer to the SAA for management free of charge. The acquisition comprises the building and documents of the Institute for the History of Bulgarian Emigration in North America Ilia Todorov Gadzhev in Goce Delchev, which will be established as a separate unit within the SAA's structure. The Institute's documentary collection is of exceptional value to Bulgarian history, comprising approximately 152 linear metres of archival material and more than 3,000 archival units. Of particular importance to researchers are the documents of Ivan Mihailov, Smile Voydanov, Hristo Nizamov, Petar Semerdzhiev, Lyubomir Dalchev, as well as those of Dr Ivan Gadzhev himself. The collection also includes 18 complete and 50 nearly complete runs of émigré periodicals, many of which are absent from the holdings of Bulgarian libraries, including the National Library St. St. Cyril and Methodius. The entire documentary collection constitutes invaluable evidence of the struggles of the Macedonian Bulgarians and the life of the Bulgarian emigre community in the United States. It is the largest private collection documenting the history of the Bulgarian presence in North America and the struggle for a free Macedonia, the SAA added. Speaking on the Bulgarian National Television on Thursday morning, Deputy Prime Minister Ivo Hristov said the archive documents the Macedonian emigre community and "clearly proves the Bulgarian character of Macedonia." "This archive attracted interest from many countries. It could have been used against Bulgaria, but thanks to the swift action of the Bulgarian institutions over the past two months, we acquired these invaluable documents, including complete runs of Macedonian publications in the United States in which people with fresh memories after the Ilinden Uprising describe who they are, how they see themselves, and that they identify as Bulgarians," Hristov said. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the archive was purchased for "a very reasonable amount, well below EUR 1 million." "So we are acquiring everything, including the building, because that was the heirs' wish and the condition under which they were willing to transfer the archive. We had to locate five heirs in the United States. All institutions provided wholehearted support for a cause of national importance, and I thank them for that," Hristov added. Bulgaria Momchil Rusev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1176795-hristo-simeonov-s-my-father-s-shoes-selected-for-san-sebastian-world-premiere- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1176795-hristo-simeonov-s-my-father-s-shoes-selected-for-san-sebastian-world-premiere- Thu, 30 Jul 2026 18:58:00 +0300 Bulgarian Director Hristo Simeonov's debut feature, My Father's Shoes, has been selected for its world premiere at the 74th San Sebastian International Film Festival, the National Film Center (NFC) said on Thursday. The film will compete in the New Directors section for the Kutxabank–New Directors Award. My Father's Shoes follows a young woman and her mother as they are called upon to identify the body of the girl's father and the woman's husband, a man who has been absent from their lives for years. The cast includes Valeria Varbanova, Tanya Shahova, Vyara Kolarova and Borislav Rusev. The screenplay was written by Hristo Simeonov and Petar Krumov, and the cinematographer is Vesselin Hristov. Separately, the Bulgarian co-production What Remains has been selected for the main competition of the 74th San Sebastian International Film Festival, where it will also have its world premiere, Art Fest said. Directed by Yesim Ustaoglu, What Remains (Artakalan/What Remains) is a co-production of Turkiye, Luxembourg, France and Bulgaria (RFF International). Bulgarian cinematographer Kiril Prodanov served as director of photography. The film was produced with the support of the National Film Center. What Remains follows the journey of a poet who escapes her suffocating daily life in an effort to reconnect with her inner self and her conscience. In doing so, she questions established notions of family and the meaning of life while opening a new path for herself and her loved ones. Culture Veneta Litkova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1176669-international-initiative-balkan-open-door-business-fashion-and-art-establishe https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1176669-international-initiative-balkan-open-door-business-fashion-and-art-establishe Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:59:11 +0300 The Balkan Open Door - Business, Fashion and Art initiative was presented at the BTA National Press Club in Sofia on Thursday, after its founding forum brought together representatives from seven countries. Mila Zaharieva, founder of Balkan Open Door and owner of International Fashion Connection Group, said the platform was created in Bulgaria to connect business, fashion, culture, art, education and institutions through international cooperation, the exchange of best practices and joint projects. During the forum, a founding memorandum for the initiative was discussed and adopted, and the first international branches were established, with their presidents signing the memorandum. The organization's future priorities, opportunities for international initiatives, partnerships among countries, and the framework for joint projects in the coming years were also discussed. Zaharieva introduced the first presidents of the international branches. She herself heads the Bulgarian branch. Andriola Kambo, an entrepreneur and founder of Muza Fashion Fair, heads the Albanian branch. Valeria Meletidi, an entrepreneur and business leader, heads the Greek branch. Kubra Kaza, an international business leader, heads the Turkish branch. The Serbian branch is headed by Bata Spasojevic, an internationally recognized fashion designer and founder of Individual. Mariana Micheli, founder and president of Mad Mood Milano Fashion Week and Mediterranean Fashion and Food Week, heads the Italian branch. Marina Banovic, an internationally recognized fashion designer and founder of Marina Banovic Atelier, heads the Montenegro branch. Zaharieva presented the certificates to those present at the conference - Micheli and Banovic. Balkan Open Door has the potential to become a bridge between Italy and the entire Balkan region, Micheli said. "I believe we can grow together and provide opportunities for Balkan designers to work in Italy. This initiative presents us with significant opportunities as well, because the organization operates not only in the field of fashion, but also in business and the arts, which will open up more business prospects for Italy in the Balkans." Culture Kristina Ivanova Kalina Boyadzhieva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1176464-national-bagpipe-competition-starts-in-gela-july-31 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1176464-national-bagpipe-competition-starts-in-gela-july-31 Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:53:17 +0300 Musicians from Bulgaria and abroad will take part in the 23rd National Bagpipe Competition in Gela, in the country's southern Smolyan Region, Yoana Stoeva from the Heritage into the Future Foundation told BTA on Thursday. From July 31 to August 2, the National Bagpipe Competition and Family Gathering will bring together thousands of visitors from across the country for one of Bulgaria's most anticipated celebrations of folk culture, the organizers said. A 25-hour folk music programme will be performed on two stages at the Ilinden Meadows above Gela. More than 70 performers playing the djura and kaba bagpipes are expected to take part in the competition. Bulgarian bagpipers living abroad will also travel to the mountainous village for the traditional gathering. For the second consecutive year, the Dafo Trendafilov Award will be presented in memory of the renowned bagpipe player, who was born in Gela. The competition features predominantly musicians performing on the kaba bagpipe, which is associated with traditional culture in the Rhodope Mountains. Participants in the contest programme will be assessed by a jury chaired by Prof. Milcho Vassilev. President Iliana Iotova, Culture Minister Evtim Miloshev, the regional governor of Smolyan, the mayor of Smolyan Municipality, MPs and local government representatives have been invited to attend the official opening ceremony, the foundation said. The festival programme also includes an extensive exhibition featuring Bulgarian producers and craft makers. Farmers and artisans from different regions of the country will present traditional Bulgarian products. For the first time, the exhibition in Gela will feature "Farmers' Cheese" - the first cooperative dairy product created by more than 450 Bulgarian sheep and goat farmers. Visitors will be able to taste specialities from Rhodope cuisine. Culture Valentin Evstatiev BTA correspondent Hristina Georgieva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1176370-paleontologists-unearth-crocodile-tooth-dinosaur-bone-at-tran-fossil-site https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1176370-paleontologists-unearth-crocodile-tooth-dinosaur-bone-at-tran-fossil-site Thu, 30 Jul 2026 12:39:00 +0300 A crocodile tooth and a dinosaur bone are among the latest fossils uncovered during the 9th paleontological expedition to Bulgaria’s Tran dinosaur fossil site, the National Museum of Natural History said on Thursday. The research team also recovered fragments of shells belonging to side-necked turtles of the Bothremydidae family, along with several small bone fragments that have not yet been identified. A newly discovered Late Cretaceous vertebrate fossil site near Breznik was surveyed as well. The expedition runs through August 3, with researchers hoping the remaining days of the field season will yield even better-preserved and more significant fossils. Over the previous eight expeditions, paleontologists identified remains from at least nine groups of vertebrates at the Tran dinosaur fossil site, including two dinosaur species, two crocodile species, two turtle species and gars. Previously known mainly for fossil plants dating back about 75 million years, the site has now yielded additional fossilized leaves that could help reconstruct the region’s ancient vegetation and climate. Culture Filip Pavlov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1176235-mammoth-remains-discovered-near-ruse-village-due-to-low-danube-water-level https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1176235-mammoth-remains-discovered-near-ruse-village-due-to-low-danube-water-level Thu, 30 Jul 2026 10:35:00 +0300 Specialists from the Regional History Museum in Ruse began recovering and transporting here on Thursday the ancient mammoth remains discovered on the bank of the Danube River near the village of Ryahovo, Ruse Region. The discovery was made possible by the river's low water level. Once the fieldwork is completed, the remains will be conserved and examined at the museum. The discovery was initially reported by a local resident who brought photographs of the unusual bones to the attention of the authorities. Following notification of municipal environmental officials and the Regional History Museum in Ruse, specialists inspected the site on Wednesday. Ryahovo Mayor Hristina Ivanova said the area was particularly interesting from a historical perspective. “Over the years, various finds have been discovered here, including animal remains, vessels and other objects,” she said. “The news spread very quickly. At first, we did not want to raise unnecessary expectations before we were certain about what exactly had been found. After the specialists carried out their initial inspection, the information quickly reached the media. Now the entire village knows about it — and, in this case, so does all of Bulgaria,” Ivanova said. Fieldwork to recover the remains began Thursday. Krasimir Kirov, curator in the Nature Department of the museum, said there was a possibility that the remains had been carried there by the river. “The area near Ryahovo probably represents a kind of deposit where the flow of the Danube carried and accumulated the remains of various animals, not only mammoths. The characteristics of the terrain probably led to their accumulation here, creating sort of a ‘storage bank’. Of course, it is also possible that some of the remains belonged to animals that lived in this area,” Kirov explained. The preliminary working hypothesis is that the remains belonged to a woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius). “The animal was impressive in size - it reached nearly five metres in height and weighed more than seven to eight tonnes. A model of the same species can be seen at the Eco Museum with Aquarium at the Regional History Museum in Ruse, where visitors can get an idea of its scale,” Kirov said. So far, specialists have identified a lower jaw, tusks, a shoulder blade, ribs and other bone fragments. It is possible that a significant part of the skeleton is still buried underground. “Dating the animal is difficult, but the species we believe this to be existed until around 7,000 to 10,000 years ago and appeared approximately 500,000 to 800,000 years ago. It was a widespread species that lived in a climate radically different from today's — significantly colder,” the expert said. According to Kirov, the bones are not in good condition because, after spending a long time in a water environment, they begin to deteriorate when exposed to air. This is why the recovery process is being carried out carefully to ensure that the remains can be successfully transported and conserved. “There is another interesting feature. The colour of the bones can provide information. If they are very dark, almost black or dark brown, this often suggests that the animal died in a swampy environment. We are talking about events that occurred thousands of years ago, and the colouring is due to the effect of the mud. We have observed similar features in other fossils found in the area. For now, however, this remains a working theory,” Kirov added. Earlier, Regional History Museum Director Prof. Nikolay Nenov told BTA that local residents had alerted the authorities to the discovery and that specialists from the museum's Eco Museum had initially identified a lower jaw, two tusks and what was probably a rib from a mammoth. Nenov said the preliminary evidence suggested that the remains may not have been carried there by the river. Numerous similar finds have previously been discovered in the area and recovered from river sediments using dredging equipment. The current discovery is different, however, as the remains were concentrated in one location, raising the possibility that the animal died there. Scientists had previously indicated that the area could contain similar finds. One hypothesis is that the site was a swamp thousands of years ago where the animal died. Following conservation and examination, the remains will be put on display at the Eco Museum with Aquarium at the Regional History Museum in Ruse, if their condition allows. Kirov said another interesting feature of the area was its fossilized trees, some of which are several million years old. “We most often find fragments of palms and other species associated with swamp ecosystems, but not entire trunks. They are very distinctive — it is easy to mistake them for ordinary stones. We once had a case in which a company involved in dredging operations used a similar fossilized tree to prop open a door, without realizing what it was. It eventually became part of the museum's collection,” the specialist said. Culture Metodi Yordanov BTA correspondent Andrey Kyuchukov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1176270-archaeologists-discover-late-roman-mausoleum-at-perperikon https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1176270-archaeologists-discover-late-roman-mausoleum-at-perperikon Thu, 30 Jul 2026 11:48:13 +0300 Archaeologists uncovered a Late Roman (3rd–5th century AD) stone mausoleum belonging to a prominent citizen of Perperikon, head of excavations Prof. Nikolay Ovcharov said on Thursday. Ovcharov noted that it is the 11th mausoleum uncovered at Perperikon, with the circular structure completing the picture of the Area Sacra in the site's Southern Quarter. The mausoleum is 7.8 metres in diameter, with a preserved threshold for a double wooden door. Built from massive stone blocks, it was originally topped by a dome of Roman bricks and tiles, Ovcharov said. Like the other mausoleums in the Southern Quarter, its entrance faces east. Medieval houses were later built over its ruins using stones taken from the ancient monument. "In the coming weeks, the connection of the mausoleum with the other parts of the necropolis, and especially with the large rock tomb known from years ago, located immediately next to it, will be established," Ovcharov concluded. Culture Filip Pavlov BTA Correspondent Valentina Stoeva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1176162-bansko-jazz-festival-opens-on-july-31 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1176162-bansko-jazz-festival-opens-on-july-31 Thu, 30 Jul 2026 09:34:00 +0300 The 29th Bansko Jazz Festival will once again bring together international talent, ideas, and artistic expression, continuing to strengthen Bansko's reputation as a city of music, the Bansko Town Hall said. The ten-day festival will begin on July 31. According to the local authorities, the event has long outgrown the role of a traditional music festival and has become an integral part of Bansko's identity. Preparations begin months in advance and are the result of the joint efforts of the Bansko Municipality, the festival organizers, public institutions, the local business community, and other partners. Speaking to the Bulgarian News Agency, Bansko Mayor Stoycho Banenski said the town is fully prepared to host the festival. He noted that one of Bansko's greatest advantages is its extensive experience in organizing large-scale international events. "We have an experienced team, a well-established organizational structure, and, most importantly, the people of Bansko embrace these festivals as their own cause," Banenski said. He added that the Bansko Jazz Festival has long been one of the town's defining symbols and that this year's edition will once again feature an impressive lineup of performers from around the world. "I am confident that this year's festival will once again meet the high expectations of its many visitors," he said. Artists from more than 20 countries will present 83 projects across four stages at this year's Bansko Jazz Festival, according to organizers from the  Association Festivals in Bulgaria and the Bansko Municipality. Among the most anticipated guests at this year's festival are legendary drummer Billy Cobham, American singer and song writer Morgan James, Israeli trumpeter Avishai Cohen with his groundbreaking Big Vicious project, and British saxophonist, composer, and arranger Tim Garland, a Grammy Award winner and longtime collaborator of Chick Corea, the organizers announced. The festival lineup will also feature Cuban bassist Alain Perez, American saxophonist Chico Freeman, and Italian pianist Antonio Farao. The Bansko Jazz Festival will open with a concert by Camellia and Militsa Gladnishka, accompanied by a Big Band conducted by Antoni Donchev. The opening program is dedicated to the 75th anniversary of composer and jazz musician Lyubomir Denev. The festival will conclude with a performance by Vassil Petrov, who will celebrate 30 years on stage with a jazz trio and the Razgrad Philharmonic Orchestra. A unique fusion of music and visual art will be presented for the first time as part of the Bansko Jazz Festival through a photography exhibition featuring works selected in an international photography competition. The exhibition includes photographs by Alexander Khanin, Dimitar Aleksov, Dimitar Kazandzhiev, Ed Kuchek, Elena Trifonova, Trifon Trifonov, Valeri Bobenkov, and Georgi Angelov. The photographs were selected by a jury comprising Lilia Yotova, Chair and Co-founder of the Association of Professional Photographers, Iliyana Shtereva, organizer of the Bansko Jazz Festival, and Georgi Angelov, Public Relations Specialist at the Bansko Municipality.                                                                                                                                                             The exhibition will be displayed in Bansko City Park throughout the festival. Culture Petya Petrova BTA correspondent Desislava Velkova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1176035-president-iotova-meets-bulgarian-science-mathematics-olympiad-medallists https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1176035-president-iotova-meets-bulgarian-science-mathematics-olympiad-medallists Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:33:50 +0300 President Iliana Iotova met with medallists and representatives of Bulgaria's national teams in the international science Olympiads in biology, physics and chemistry, as well as in mathematics, the President's press office said on Wednesday. Teachers and mentors of the students, along with representatives of the Association of Bulgarian Science Olympiad Teams, also attended the meeting. The discussion was part of the head of State's meetings with Bulgarian competitors aimed at maintaining dialogue between the Presidency and successful young Bulgarians. In 2026, Bulgarian teams won a total of 20 medals at the international Olympiads in mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology – two gold, nine silver and nine bronze medals, the press release said. All Bulgarian participants in the four Olympiads won medals. "I see Bulgaria's future in you," Iotova told the students. The President highlighted their potential and abilities, which have placed them among the top performers in the world. She stressed that behind each of their medals were years of dedicated preparation, countless hours spent solving problems, laboratory work and perseverance. According to Iotova, the qualities the competitors have developed – curiosity, discipline, critical thinking and a drive to build on their achievements – will be crucial to the development of society in the years ahead. Iotova urged the students to continue their education in Bulgaria and expressed confidence that the country would provide the necessary conditions for scientific research and technological development. The President also highlighted the efforts of the teachers, scientists and mentors working with Bulgaria's competitors. She stressed that, thanks to their dedication, Bulgaria had remained for decades among the respected participants in the world's most prestigious international science Olympiads. The meeting also addressed the conditions in which students prepare for the competitions. Participants highlighted the significant disparity in the educational and development opportunities available in the capital and in other cities, which contribute only a minimal number of participants to the Olympiads. They also discussed discrepancies between school education and Olympiad preparation, the lack of adequate facilities and the need for greater motivation among both students and teachers. The President and the leadership of the Association of Bulgarian Science Olympiad Teams shared the view that a nationwide information campaign was needed to inform students about opportunities to participate in international competitions. Iotova voiced her support for the young competitors and urged them to remain active and pass on their experience and knowledge to younger students. The President also expressed expectations for strong results from the teams whose international competitions are yet to take place. She said she looked forward to welcoming the remaining competitors at the end of the year, hopefully with medals as well. Bulgarian students won one gold, two silver and three bronze medals at the 67th International Mathematical Olympiad, held in Shanghai, China, the Association of Bulgarian Science Olympiad Teams said on July 19. Bulgaria Konstantin Karagyozov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1175674-burgas-opera-stages-italian-music-night-on-st-anastasia-island https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1175674-burgas-opera-stages-italian-music-night-on-st-anastasia-island Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:03:00 +0300 The Burgas State Opera will present Canzonettas Under the Stars on July 30 at the open-air stage on St. Anastasia Island as part of its Party on the Island programme, the opera said on Wednesday. Conducted by Svilen Simeonov, the concert builds on the opera's Neapolitan Evening at the Opera project and features popular Italian canzonettas, Spanish melodies and film music. The programme includes classics such as O Sole Mio, Santa Lucia, Funiculì Funicula and Torna a Surriento, along with music from The Godfather and Once Upon a Time in America. The soloists are mezzo-soprano Maria Yurkovskaya, tenor Yani Nikolov and baritone Andrey Yurkovsky, accompanied by the Burgas State Opera Orchestra. Following the island performance, the programme will be staged in Pomorie on August 3. Culture BTA correspondent Maya Stefanova Filip Pavlov