https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/rss Sun, 03 May 2026 11:08:39 +0300 en hourly 1 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1118304-cirque-du-soleil-s-ovo-thrills-sofia-audience-with-spectacle-beyond-circus https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1118304-cirque-du-soleil-s-ovo-thrills-sofia-audience-with-spectacle-beyond-circus Sat, 02 May 2026 20:35:42 +0300 "Outstanding quality", "an abundance of artistry" and "highly professional acrobatics", this is how the audience described the show to BTA after watching Ovo by Cirque du Soleil. The world-renowned Canadian troupe is visiting Bulgaria with seven performances from April 30 to May 3 in Sofia. THIS IS NOT A CIRCUS "This is not a typical circus" is one of the most frequently repeated reactions. "I wouldn’t call it a circus. It’s a feast for all the senses with incredible colours, amazing acrobatic acts. I still can’t fully process what I’ve just seen." The distinction is not accidental. For many spectators, Ovo feels far removed from childhood memories of the circus, the one with animals, clearly separated acts, and a predictable structure: "It’s different from the circus we watched as kids, and that’s why I like it. This is a very contemporary circus with a modern approach, there are no animals, and the focus is on acrobatics and the overall experience." This transformation of the genre is widely recognized as one of the reasons behind the show’s global success. Cirque du Soleil has long shifted its focus from individual acts to a complete stage universe, where music, movement, and visuals function as one. THE FAMILY AS THE AUDIENCE It is striking that Ovo is rarely watched alone, "it’s a show that brings people together." "I’m here with my whole family and I’m greatly impressed," a father who came with his children says. Another family has travelled from Silistra, Northeastern Bulgaria, "especially for this celebration", and according to the mother, her son is "on cloud nine". "I’m having fun, going back to my childhood," another spectator says. In her view, this is the show’s strongest effect, not just the acrobatics, but its ability to create a shared experience between generations, between parents and children, between memory and the present. For some in the audience, this is not their first encounter with Cirque du Soleil: "It’s not my first time. I’m a big fan, and every time they come, I make sure to see them. Each time I discover something new and different, with a new program and a fantastic experience." As they describe it, this is no longer just about surprise, but about ritual and trust in a brand that consistently delivers a certain level of quality. International reviews confirm this impression, the show is known for its high production value, precision, and visual impact, combining acrobatics, dance, and music into a unified experience. THE LANGUAGE OF AWE If the audience’s reaction could be summed up in one word, it would be awe. "An extraordinary performance, incredible synchronization, unique acrobats." "Impressive performance and costumes, with fantastic music and atmosphere." "Beautiful and emotional choreography, full of warmth," are just some of the comments. Ovo does not rely on a complex storyline. Its strength lies in synthesis. Acrobatics, music, costumes, lighting, everything works together to create a sensation. "It’s a great gift for the audience to see something like this," people say. "Very enjoyable, very lively, wonderful for children. Overall, a marvellous show." Cirque du Soleil returned to Bulgaria after a nine-year absence. Ovo, Portuguese for "egg", is a show about the continuous birth of a world where insects are human, and humans are acrobatic hybrids between body and myth. The world is colourful, hypnotic, and pulsating, an ecosystem where everything is in motion. Culture Risida Dimitrova Dahnyelle Dymytrov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1118271-military-historical-festival-part-of-april-uprising-anniversary-observances-in-o https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1118271-military-historical-festival-part-of-april-uprising-anniversary-observances-in-o Sat, 02 May 2026 17:35:28 +0300 A military-historical festival, “Living History”, was part of the commemorations marking the anniversary of the April Uprising in the Panagyurishte area of Oborishte. It was followed by the official opening of the Alley of Freedom and a national commemoration dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the uprising. The festival recreated key moments from Bulgarian history, featuring battle reenactments, period costumes, and everyday life from different eras. Participants included reenactors from the Tradition clubs. The previous day, a military-historical reenactment “Courage and Self-Sacrifice – Panagyurishte 1876” was presented by the Tradition National Society at the National Apriltsi Memorial Complex in Panagyurishte. Historically accurate episodes were shown, including the declaration of the uprising in the capital of the Fourth Revolutionary District, the heroic ten-day defence of the town by insurgents, and the tragic and bloody events surrounding the suppression of the revolt. Culture Petya Petrova BTA correspondent Gergana Kurtakova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118235-national-commemoration-is-held-in-historic-oborishte-area-to-mark-150th-annivers https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118235-national-commemoration-is-held-in-historic-oborishte-area-to-mark-150th-annivers Sat, 02 May 2026 15:35:00 +0300 A nationwide commemoration marking the 150th anniversary of the outbreak of the April Uprising was held in the historic area of Oborishte. The event began with the opening of the fully renovated Alley of Freedom, which runs from the outskirts of Panagyurishte to the foot of the monument in Oborishte, where attendees paid their respects. “During the long years of oppression, the people repeatedly tried to continue their historical path. It is not easy to stop a nation that has proven it is worthy of existence. These attempts to achieve freedom were filled with blood, pain, and tears, but not despair. There comes a moment when the smoldering desire for freedom among Bulgarians erupts, and its highest expression is the April rebellion. After the long five-century winter, the April Uprising is the Bulgarian spring. Longings turn into actions, oaths into bullets,” said Ivan Lalov, Chairman of the Municipal Council of Panagyurishte, in his address before the monument at Oborishte. “To have April 20, we first needed Oborishte. Here, on April 14, 1876, delegates from near and far parts of the revolutionary district gathered along the rebel trails, united in spirit. All of them believed that there would be a free Bulgaria. Oborishte marks the beginning of the Bulgarian parliamentary tradition. Let us pause and transport ourselves to the days and nights of April 1876. Years ago, Prof. Marko Semov said that in Oborishte and Panagyurishte, the Bulgarian National Revival reached its culmination, and the national awareness of our mission in history was most strongly expressed. Oborishte and Panagyurishte remained the two eyes through which our destiny looks toward today and tomorrow,” Lalov concluded. The event was attended by members of parliament, Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov, Panagyurishte Municipal Council Chairman Ivan Lalov, municipal councillors, representatives of the management of Asarel-Medet AD, Bulgarian News Agency Kiril Valchev, the Bulgarian National Radio Director General Milen Mitev, Constitutional Court judge Atanas Semov, Sofia University Rector Prof. Georgi Valchev, Silvia Georgieva, Executive Director of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria, along with other representatives of state and local authorities. Wreaths and floral tributes were laid at the site. Bulgaria Petya Petrova BTA correspondent Gergana Kurtakova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1118174-international-festival-of-ancient-theatre-opens-in-plovdiv https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1118174-international-festival-of-ancient-theatre-opens-in-plovdiv Sat, 02 May 2026 12:19:00 +0300 The second Ex Machina International Festival of Ancient Theatre will take place on May 2 and 3 at the Ancient Theatre in Plovdiv, said organizers from the Ognyan Radev Ancient Theatre. The programme features productions from Bulgaria, Italy, and Greece. The event will be opened by a representative of the Roman Senate, Salvo Pogliese. “Antiquity is modern, and ancient Greek theatre is young. The theatrical mask is alive and will bring together hundreds of young artists and international guests,” the organizing team said. This year, the festival’s focus is on Academia. Following a partnership and cooperation agreement with the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts, the first seminar on ancient theatre for the Academy’s students will take place after the festival in May. Students from Plovdiv’s Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts will once again be part of the festival team in Plovdiv. A highlight of the programme is the “Phaedo by Plato” production, directed by Kris Sharkov, which brings Plato’s ideas and their contemporary interpretation to the stage. The text is written by Stanislava Kirilova and Radoslav Iliev, the set design is by Ilina Grozeva, the music is by Hristo Namliev, and the actors are coached by Eli Kiril Koleva. The production is funded under Sofia Municipality’s Culture program. Also featured are the productions “In Praise of Folly” from Italy, “Helen by Euripides" from Greece, and the two Bulgarian youth productions “Prometheus” and “Hades and Persephone”. The performances will be staged on May 2, and in the evening the festival jury will present the awards. The programme will continue with a wine tasting from the Balkan International Wine Competition. Ex Machina will conclude on May 3 with an interactive and semiotic game for discovering architectural and urban symbols, “Urban Labyrinth,” held in the Old Town of Plovdiv. The festival is part of the international network of ancient theatres, with partners from Italy, Greece, Spain, Cyprus, and Bulgaria. Culture Petya Petrova Ani Mihaylova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1118125-kaleto-historical-park-unveiled-in-svishtov-with-concert-3d-mapping-show https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1118125-kaleto-historical-park-unveiled-in-svishtov-with-concert-3d-mapping-show Sat, 02 May 2026 09:06:00 +0300 The Kaleto Historical Park in Svishtov, featuring archaeological remains from several eras, was officially opened on Friday evening following excavations and extensive renovations that lasted more than six years. The grand opening of the renovated park began in front of the Kaleto Interactive Centre and continued with a concert and a 3D laser mapping show. Archaeologist Prof. Nikolay Ovcharov said that in the Kaleto excavations, one sees only a part of the splendor of medieval Svishtov. "It was precisely on these excavations, on the information we found, that the municipal project for the renovation of the entire park was based," he added. Together with his colleague - Svishtov-based archaeologist Dr. Marin Marinov - they conducted excavations at the Kaleto fortress over the course of several summers. Culture and Cultural Heritage Directorate head Rosen Marinov said that the project for the comprehensive reconstruction of the park aims to preserve the cultural and historical heritage and to revitalize the urban environment, transforming it into a more accessible, pleasant, and interesting place to visit for both the residents of Svishtov and its guests. The conceptual design was implemented with funding of nearly EUR 3 million, provided under the State Budget Act in fulfillment of the municipality’s investment programme. Svishtov Mayor Gencho Genchev said it was no coincidence that they chose this date, May 1, which coincides with the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising and the working people celebrate International Workers' Day. "Six years ago, the municipal administration was wondering how we could breathe new life into the Kaleto Fortress - one of the few fortresses located in the city centre - and what approach to take for its development. At that time, we met with Prof. Nikolay Ovcharov, who embraced the idea of renovating and restoring the citadel and the fortress," Genchev explained. In his words, since 2019,  this exceptionally complex project has faced significant challenges, as Kaleto is a monument of national significance and all necessary requirements under Bulgaria’s laws on culture and cultural heritage have been strictly adhered to. The Mayor of Svishtov, together with Prof. Nikolay Ovcharov and a representative of the contractor, symbolically cut the ribbon in front of the Kaleto Interactive Visitor Centre in the Kaleto Historical Park. Prof. Nikolay Ovcharov was awarded a Certificate of Honour for Civic Merit, First Class, for the archaeological excavations conducted in the Kaleto area and for his contribution to the study and preservation of the cultural and historical heritage of Svishtov. The award ceremony took place on the newly built stage in the Park, where Veselin Marinov gave a concert afterwards. Culture Dimitrina Solakova BTA correspondent Antoaneta Baldarkova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1118075-metropolitan-of-plovdiv-it-was-orthodox-faith-that-defeated-slavery https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1118075-metropolitan-of-plovdiv-it-was-orthodox-faith-that-defeated-slavery Fri, 01 May 2026 22:10:29 +0300 In a speech during the observances of 150 years since the April Uprising here on Friday, Metropolitan of Plovdiv Nikolay said that it was not someone else, but the Orthodox faith that defeated slavery. The day's celebrations culminated in a ceremonial tattoo at 20 April Square in Panagyurishte, attended by President Iliana Iotova, National Assembly Chair Mihaela Dotsova, Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov, Panagyurishte Municipal Council Chairman Ivan Lalov, BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, representatives of local authorities, and members of Parliament. "Let our eyes turn to this cross, and let our hearts bow before it," Metropolitan Nikolay said further. He explained that the cross before him was the altar cross from the church in the village of Poibrene, the same cross that led Bulgaria to its Liberation. "With this cross, at this very spot in the town of Panagyurishte, the flag sewn by Princess Rayna was consecrated, and it was with this cross that Georgi Benkovski’s band of fighters was blessed,” he said, referring to key figures in the April Uprising. According to him, it was before this very cross that the heroes took their oaths, prayed, and kissed before battle. "Before this cross, death was transformed into immortality," Metropolitan Nikolay noted.  He added that just as Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross so that He might rise again, so too was the uprising crucified on this cross, but Bulgaria rose again.   Culture Dimitrina Solakova BTA correspondent Presiana Valkanova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1117842-celebrations-of-april-uprising-150th-anniversary-open-in-panagyurishte https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1117842-celebrations-of-april-uprising-150th-anniversary-open-in-panagyurishte Fri, 01 May 2026 11:09:00 +0300 The celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising in Panagyurishte began on Friday with a religious procession, a ceremony for raising the Bulgarian flag, and a memorial service at the Holy Presentation of the Virgin Mary church. The procession started from the town’s History Museum and was led by one of the sacred relics of the uprising, the Poibrene Cross. “This is the cross that accompanied the Flying Detachment. We are excited that it will mark the beginning of our festive day. Afterwards, a memorial service is planned at the church Holy Presentation of the Virgin Mary, and after that we continue with a living tableau. With it, we will show the march of statehood that was organized 150 years ago right on these streets,” Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov told BTA. “The atmosphere in Panagyurishte is very different. I am extremely happy that many children and young people took part in all the activities and events we are organizing,” he added. The message that Gagov wants to convey through the celebrations is: “Freedom does not remain silent, because it must revive our memory, and memory is what we are,” he said. Later in the day, the celebrations continued with the historical reenactment “Courage and Sacrifice – Panagyurishte 1876." It took place at the Apriltsi Memorial Complex. Historically accurate scenes were reenacted depicting the declaration of the uprising in the capital of the Fourth Revolutionary District, the rebels’ heroic ten-day defence of Panagyurishte, and the bloody, dramatic events that accompanied the suppression of the uprising. Shortly afterwards, the audio-visual installation “Panagyurishte 1876 – a Sanctuary of the National Spirit!” was opened at the town’s History Museum. The ribbon was cut by President Iliana Iotova, Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov, Panagyurishte History Museum Director Atanas Shopov, donor Dimitar Tsotsorkov, and Municipal Council Chairman Ivan Lalov. In her speech, Iotova said that the legacy left to Bulgarians by the participants in the April Uprising is to love the homeland and to know that, no matter what happens, the people will endure as long as they remain united. She added that there can be no small or large nations; there are only united and divided ones.  The celebrations culminated in a ceremonial tattoo at 20 April Square on Friday evening. The event was attended by President Iotova, National Assembly Chair Mihaela Dotsova, Panagyurishte Mayor Gagov, Panagyurishte Municipal Council Chairman Lalov, Metropolitan of Plovdiv Nikolay, BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, representatives of local authorities, and members of Parliament.  In her speech, President Iotova said that Panagyurishte is not just the freedom-loving heart of the Bulgarian revolution but also the capital of rebellious Bulgaria. In her words, only those who have never come into contact with the people of Panagyurishte do not know with what great reverence, with how highly raised heads they preserve the memory of the April Uprising - the days of rapture, of freedom, of conscious self-sacrifice. "This is the Bulgarian April Uprising - a dream of freedom, of a homeland, of a state, of equality, of independence. It was precisely in these streets and squares of Panagyurishte in 1876 that the voice of the Bulgarian revival rang out loud and clear. Of the revived tradition of the Bulgarian state," she added.  Panagyurishte Mayor Gagov said that the Uprising was a lesson in how to die for freedom. "Today, the world is once again trying to speak the language of fear, through wars. We are forced to choose the side of the victor or the side of the vanquished - a choice that brings us no peace," he noted. "Here in Bulgaria, traditions are crumbling like a withered tree. Our children are leaving with suitcases heavier than their roots. I am convinced that together we will succeed in creating a new, thriving home for our entire community, so that we can provide the necessary care for our dreams and our children," added Gagov. Metropolitan of Plovdiv Nikolay said that it was not someone else, but "the Orthodox faith that defeated slavery." Bulgaria Petya Petrova BTA correspondent Presiana Valkanova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118059-president-iotova-panagyurishte-is-capital-of-rebellious-bulgaria https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118059-president-iotova-panagyurishte-is-capital-of-rebellious-bulgaria Fri, 01 May 2026 21:50:00 +0300 In a speech during the observances of 150 years since the April Uprising here on Friday, President Iliana Iotova said that Panagyurishte is not just the freedom-loving heart of the Bulgarian revolution but also the capital of rebellious Bulgaria. The day's celebrations culminated in a ceremonial tattoo at 20 April Square in Panagyurishte.  The event was also attended by National Assembly Chair Mihaela Dotsova, Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov, Panagyurishte Municipal Council Chairman Ivan Lalov, BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, representatives of local authorities, and members of Parliament.  Iotova also said that every Bulgarian city cherishes in its heart the ancient history of the beloved homeland - "cities that have become symbols of the long-suffering and immortal Bulgarian cause, cities that have forever linked their names to the most important, the most decisive moments in our shared destiny." Among them is Panagyurishte, she added. In her words, only those who have never come into contact with the people of Panagyurishte do not know with what great reverence, with how highly raised heads they preserve the memory of the April Uprising - the days of rapture, of freedom, of conscious self-sacrifice. "This is the Bulgarian April Uprising - a dream of freedom, of a homeland, of a state, of equality, of independence. It was precisely in these streets and squares of Panagyurishte in 1876 that the voice of the Bulgarian revival rang out loud and clear. Of the revived tradition of the Bulgarian state," she added.  "A new horizon dawned, a horizon of a new era; the world once again made history, once again opened its pages to the Bulgarian people, and there, boldly, with the power of light, entered the fiery Benkovski, the noble Volov, the enlightened Bobekov, the fearless Rayna," Iotova went on to say, referring to key figures in the April Uprising. "At first glance, you might ask what connects these people, as if they were different characters, having nothing in common with one another, but that is not so - Bulgaria connects them; belonging to one people, to one idea of freedom connects them; the pure impulse of the suffering Bulgarian heart, which scorned death to bestow freedom upon others, connects them," the President added. "Today, there is no way we can list the names of all the heroes, of all the ordinary people who were part of the Bulgarian people’s struggle; there is no way we can describe all the facts, all the events; there is no way we can find the strongest words to express the tragedy and the grandeur. But today, we know and recognize the image of the burned-to-the-ground Panagyurishte - homes, schools, and churches - reduced to ashes so that a new Panagyurishte could be born, even bolder, even stronger, and even more patriotic," Iotova said further. Addressing those in the square, the President said that in the coming months, they will hear many words of praise for the heroes, but these months and weeks, when such an anniversary occurs, are a time for reflection. "Let us try to look through the eyes of our ancestors; let us run our fingers through the fabric of time - at once terrifying and majestic - and let us stand side by side with their images and measure ourselves against them, and see and feel the other beside us, and know that together we can better understand ourselves, but also understand others. Then, together, we will move forward to honour our beloved homeland," Iotova concluded. Bulgaria Dimitrina Solakova BTA Correspondent Gergana Kourtakova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118067-panagyurishte-mayor-april-uprising-is-lesson-in-how-to-die-for-freedom https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118067-panagyurishte-mayor-april-uprising-is-lesson-in-how-to-die-for-freedom Fri, 01 May 2026 21:28:00 +0300 In a speech during the observances of 150 years since the April Uprising here on Friday, Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov said that the Uprising was a lesson in how to die for freedom. The day's celebrations culminated in a ceremonial tattoo at 20 April Square in Panagyurishte.  The event was also attended by President Iliana Iotova, National Assembly Chair Mihaela Dotsova, Panagyurishte Municipal Council Chairman Ivan Lalov, BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, representatives of local authorities, and members of Parliament.  "It has been 150 years since that April, when Panagyurishte became a tear in the eyes of our people - a tear that does not fall, but shines and illuminates the most terrifying yet most cherished Bulgarian memory - the 1876 Uprising. It did not choose silence; it gave us a voice with which we learned to sing and weep at the same time," Gagov said.  "Today, the world is once again trying to speak the language of fear, through wars. We are forced to choose the side of the victor or the side of the vanquished - a choice that brings us no peace," he noted. "Here in Bulgaria, traditions are crumbling like a withered tree. Our children are leaving with suitcases heavier than their roots. I am convinced that together we will succeed in creating a new, thriving home for our entire community, so that we can provide the necessary care for our dreams and our children," added Gagov. Bulgaria Dimitrina Solakova BTA Correspondent Gergana Kourtakova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1118053-audio-visual-installation-unveiled-on-panagyurishte-as-sanctuary-of-national-spi https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1118053-audio-visual-installation-unveiled-on-panagyurishte-as-sanctuary-of-national-spi Fri, 01 May 2026 21:07:00 +0300 An audio-visual installation “Panagyurishte 1876 – a Sanctuary of the National Spirit!” was unveiled here on Friday. The ribbon was cut by President Iliana Iotova, Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov, Panagyurishte History Museum Director Atanas Shopov, donor Dimitar Tsotsorkov, and Municipal Council Chairman Ivan Lalov. The event was part of Panagyurishte's celebrations of 150 years since the April Uprising.  In her speech, Iotova said that the legacy left to Bulgarians by the participants in the April Uprising is to love the homeland and to know that, no matter what happens, the people will endure as long as they remain united. She added that there can be no small or large nations; there are only united and divided ones. "And if we want to move forward and develop our country, if we want Bulgaria to have its rightful place today among those European nations that Bulgarian revolutionaries dreamed of, we must stand together," Iotova added. Panagyurishte History Museum Director Shopov said that the April Uprising is a symbol of faith and hope, of the end of slavery and the beginning of boundless joy. History has assigned the Panagyurishte region a significant place in the struggle, which makes it a sanctuary of the national spirit, he noted. The Panagyurishte History Museum, with financial support from the Lachezar Tsotsorkov Foundation, has created its first-of-its-kind audiovisual installation, Shopov added.  Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov thanked the representatives of the Lachezar Tsotsorkov Foundation for preserving Panagyurishte’s heritage and for their donation. He noted that philanthropy preserves the homeland and its memory.  Dimitar Tsotsorkov, sonn of Lachezar Tsotsorkov, said it was an honour and a privilege for him to attend. "I wish there were more people in the government and administration who would set an example and demonstrate their commitment through action. Success in Bulgaria must be based on the rule of law and transparency," he added.  Irina Boteva, Chief Curator of the Panagyurishte History Museum, announced during the event that the Lachezar Tsotsorkov Foundation will be awarded a certificate and a plaque as donors of exceptional significance.  Asarel Medet AD Executive Director Nikolay Peltekov said that the Lachezar Tsotsorkov Foundation is transforming museum work. Saturday marks the opening of the Alley of Freedom near the Oborishte area, which has been restored by the company. Peltekov emphasized that the alley was built for the 100th anniversary of the April Uprising and has now been restored as an anniversary donation initiative. Culture Dimitrina Solakova BTA Correspondent Gergana Kourtakova BTA correspondent Presiana Valkanova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1117997-over-200-people-participate-in-reenactment-of-1876-april-uprising-in-klisura https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1117997-over-200-people-participate-in-reenactment-of-1876-april-uprising-in-klisura Fri, 01 May 2026 17:53:00 +0300 More than 200 amateur performers and representatives of patriotic organizations took part in a large-scale reenactment of the 1876 April Uprising in Klisura, Kalina Nedkova told BTA. She is a member of the Memory of Klisura Association, established to organize, support, and carry out the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising and the reenactment of moments from the uprising in Klisura. She shared that the people of Klisura participate in these events every year, but this year’s anniversary requires greater efforts to be made to mark it appropriately.  According to her, the first major and large-scale reenactment of the April Uprising took place in 1926, exactly 100 years ago, and since then, with few exceptions, similar events have been organized every year to reenact moments from the uprising. This year, as always in Klisura, the reenactment began on May 1 with the proclamation of the April Uprising. The leaders delivered their impassioned speeches to the rebels in 20 April Square, after which everyone set off toward the Zli Dol area. There, the battles between the rebels and the Ottoman forces were reenacted, followed by the suppression of the uprising and the burning of the town. To mark this significant anniversary, the reenactment also featured, for the first time, the meeting of two correspondents with Grandpa Stayko, who was returning with his grandchildren and other residents of Klisura from Varlishnitsa after 38 days on the run, Nedkova explained. "Correspondents asked him where he was going, since Klisura had been razed to the ground. Then the old man asked them, 'Is the sky above Klisura still there?' They replied, 'Yes, the sky is there, just as it is here above us.' Then he said, 'As long as the sky is there, we will build a new Klisura,'" Nedkova told BTA. She added that Klisura was the second settlement to rise during the April Uprising but was set ablaze and burned first. This scene was the new element in the reenactment - the moment of hope that, after everything they had endured, the people of Klisura managed to raise Klisura from the ashes. The reenactment was organized with the cooperation of the Culture Ministry, the Municipality of Karlovo, the Klisura Mayor, the 20 April 1876 Community Centre in Klisura, the Klisura History Museum, and the Memory of Klisura Association. Culture Dimitrina Solakova BTA correspondent Tanya Blagova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1117958-bta-presents-lik-typeface-to-panagyurishte-municipality-during-april-uprising-ce https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1117958-bta-presents-lik-typeface-to-panagyurishte-municipality-during-april-uprising-ce Fri, 01 May 2026 15:14:00 +0300 An agreement to provide the Bulgarian News Agency’s (BTA) LIK typeface was signed by BTA Director General Kiril Valchev and Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov on Friday. "Today, on this memorable day, when we pay tribute to the sacrifice of the heroes who restored Bulgaria’s freedom, we are signing an agreement with Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov to provide the BTA LIK typeface for use by the municipality. This is a font developed by the National Academy of Art at the request of BTA, with the idea that it should embody the spirit of our letters, just as they were created by the disciples of Saints Cyril and Methodius," Valchev said before signing the agreement. "We used elements from the oldest Bulgarian inscriptions in Cyrillic. At BTA, we have already begun rebranding the agency because we used all sorts of fonts on our website, in our publications, in LIK magazine, in the book on the history of BTA that we published, in our signs at the national press clubs, and the letters we wrote were a mix of different fonts," he added. "You are the eleventh institution to use our font. To date, BTA has provided the LIK typeface to the Sts Cyril and Methodius National Library, the Culture Ministry, the Diplomatic Institute, the State Institute for Culture under the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the National Institute of Justice, the University of National and World Economy, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, the Executive Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, and the Philip Koutev State Folk Ensemble. It was surprising that the first municipality was Tundzha, which has no administrative centre of its own other than Yambol, so Panagyurishte is the second municipality, but one of great significance. This is a symbolic day, and I am glad that this agreement is being signed today. It is a sign that we preserve the memory of those who gave their lives so that we could write in our own letters," Valchev added. "After discussing it with the municipality’s media team, the LIK font made an impression on us. We really liked it because we understood the message it conveys regarding Bulgarian symbolism and tradition. The documents we will sign from now on will not only have administrative content but will also carry the Bulgarian spirit and blood within them. Thank you for your partnership on this matter as well, it is an honour for us to be the eleventh institution to use this font," Gagov said at the signing of the agreement. BTA launched its LIK typeface on February 16, 2025, the day marking the 127th anniversary of the release of its first bulletin. The typeface was developed by the National Academy of Art, led by Rector Prof. Georgi Yankov, and a team headed by Assoc. Prof. Svetlin Balezdrov and comprising Prof. Kristina Borisova, graphic and type designer Jacklina Jekova and Nikolay Petroussenko. Culture Risida Dimitrova BTA correspondent Gergana Kurtakova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1117717-bta-co-organizes-national-reading-initiative-literature-in-present-tense-on-ma https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1117717-bta-co-organizes-national-reading-initiative-literature-in-present-tense-on-ma Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:33:00 +0300 The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) is co-organizing the initiative "Literature in Present Tense", launched by the Faculty of Slavic Studies at Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, which will bring together students from across Bulgaria in a nationwide reading on May 11. On the Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius, students from six Bulgarian cities will read contemporary Bulgarian literature in partnership with regional libraries and schools. The aim is to turn reading into a shared national act that encourages engagement with literature. The readings will take place at BTA’s national press clubs in Sofia, Shumen, Varna, Stara Zagora, Dobrich and Pleven. The event will be opened by BTA Director General Kiril Valchev at 10 a.m. on May 11 at the agency's press club in Varna. The literary session will be streamed live on BTA's YouTube channel and Facebook page, with live links from the participating cities over the course of one hour. The initiative builds on the Faculty's earlier campaign "Literature Is Not a Museum", which reached more than 420,000 people through a national forum, a travelling exhibition and educational formats. It also entered classrooms through a pilot programme developed jointly with the 203rd Profiled Language High School "St. Methodius", placing 20th- and 21st-century literature in active dialogue with classical works. The new phase, "Literature in Present Tense", shifts the focus to reading as a contemporary cultural habit, a personal choice and an essential part of modern education. The nationwide reading on May 11 marks the first step in this direction, the university said. The initiative is carried out in partnership with the 203rd Profiled Language High School "St. Methodius", the platform Az Cheta, Storytel, Queen’s, regional libraries in Burgas, Stara Zagora, Pleven, Haskovo, Varna and Ruse, the community centre "Dobri Voynikov - 1856" in Shumen, and the Yordan Yovkov House-Museum in Dobrich. "It is important to bring Bulgarian schools into the 21st century, and this should happen through literature education. This is how we can win children as readers," Prof. Amelia Licheva, Dean of the Faculty of Slavic Studies, said at a roundtable discussion in March 2025. Culture Yoanna Vodenova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1117680-conference-on-150th-anniversary-of-april-uprising-held-in-panagyurishte https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1117680-conference-on-150th-anniversary-of-april-uprising-held-in-panagyurishte Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:47:34 +0300 A conference dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the 1876 April Uprising was held at the History Museum in Panagyurishte on Thursday. It was the final one in a series of discussions through which the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) has encouraged dialogue on the occasion of 150 years since the uprising. Among the participants were BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) Director General Milen Mitev, Prof. Georgi Valchev, Rector of the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia, Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov, Boyko Vassilev, journalist and Panorama talk-show presenter on the Bulgarian National Television, and Assoc. Prof. Atanas Shopov, Director of the Panagyurishte History Museum. In his speech, BTA Director General Valchev said that talks on the April Uprising revive the memory of the martyrs for Bulgaria’s freedom. The conferences were held in the agency's press clubs in the centres of the four revolutionary districts of the uprising – Veliko Tarnovo, Sliven, Vratsa and Panagyurishte, as well as in Ruse and Giurgiu. "In these talks we discussed many important lessons from the April Uprising, useful for our present, but the most important is the consensus we reached – that we must see the big goals before the difficult steps needed to achieve them," Valchev said. He noted that the discussions are planned to continue in the agency's press clubs abroad, in Bucharest, Belgrade and Odesa. Valchev also announced that, prompted by these discussions, the 2026 Meeting of Bulgarian Media, organized by BTA, will be dedicated to "Media and Leaders". It will be held in Hungary and will mark 1,080 years since the dormition of St. John of Rila and 10 years since October 19 was declared the Day of Bulgarian-Hungarian Friendship. BNR Director General Mitev said: "By organizing discussions on the April Uprising, BTA has done something very important - taking the step towards the people - because in today’s world, the media must take the initiative to connect with its audience in order to be as useful as possible." He underscored that the role of the media in this process is extremely important because they influence the formation of public opinion. "What we can learn from the participants in the April Uprising is linked to their hope in the success of their cause and their willingness to make sacrifices, which is the foundation of many stories," Mitev said. National pride must be cultivated responsibly because, just as history is often used and manipulated for certain purposes, national pride is also frequently manipulated and used for various causes, Mitev argued. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of the media and scholars to help build national self-esteem - "not in the sense that we are the greatest, but rather to be proud of our history, our achievements, and our country, and to work to make it even better." Sofia University Rector Prof. Valchev said that it is time to look at history as a living page. "It is time to shed the false patriotism, the grandiose words, the slogans that are usually raised during traditional commemorations. Bulgaria is going through a very complex period, very similar to the one Bulgarians experienced in 1876,” he argued. “The year 1876 shows that Bulgarians wanted to take their own destiny into their own hands. This is one of the most important lessons from the past," he said. According to him, the second major lesson from 1876 is that it happened because there were people who believed in the future of this country. "The third major lesson on this topic is to believe in young people. It was precisely the younger generation at that time that took on this heavy responsibility. It is one thing to accept self-sacrifice as an idea yourself, and another to take responsibility for sending many others to their deaths. In those memorable days we were a society. It is our duty and our work to organize our State,” Prof. Valchev concluded. Panagyurishte Mayor Gagov said that Bulgarians should strive to be worthy heirs of the ordinary people whom history turned into heroes. The 150th anniversary should prompt reflection on unity and national pride. According to him, the anniversary should be marked for two main reasons: to make it a truly national commemoration, as the uprising itself aspired to be, and to help people relive and understand history as a source of pride. Gagov said Bulgarians suffer from a "deficit of pride" and the anniversary is an opportunity to recall the achievements of their ancestors, stressing that today’s generations share the same roots. The Mayor emphasized that the heroes of the April Uprising were not mythical figures but real people, and called for their legacy to be understood in human terms. "They are us," Gagov said, urging Bulgarians to live up to the example of those "ordinary people whom history made great". TV host Boyko Vassilev said that three journalists left a lasting imprint on the success of the April Uprising, which ultimately led to the Russo-Turkish War and Bulgaria's liberation: Zahari Stoyanov, who documented both the light and shadow of Bulgaria's fate; Hristo Botev, who publicized the seizure of the ship Radetzky and the end of his life, shaking Europe; and Januarius MacGahan, who exposed the atrocities in Bulgaria to a European audience. "Words are truthful when they speak of both light and shadow," Vassilev said. Commenting on BTA’s conference series, he noted that they are not lectures but conversations linking the historical events to present-day Bulgaria, as the uprising raises enduring questions still relevant to the country's public life. Vassilev also noted that even during the 50th anniversary of the uprising, Bulgarian society was deeply divided, offering what he described as a warning that remains contemporary today. "The April Uprising is an eternal political Bulgaria that we continue to see," he concluded. Panagyurishte History Museum Director Shopov said that the April Uprising and the Unification are examples that Bulgarians achieve success when they act independently and surprise the world. He recalled that April 30 is one of the saddest days for Panagyurishte 150 years ago, when the local population risked everything in the name of future freedom, even though they knew they would lose. According to him, as early as the mid-19th century, the town already had a well-developed civic society - with dozens of guild associations and hundreds of shops, all of which were placed in service of the common cause. The insurgents knew they would not defeat the Ottoman Empire, but they aimed to awaken the people’s belief in their own strength, Shopov noted. According to him, Panagyurishte plays a key role in the formation of Bulgarian state traditions.  The series of conferences on the April Uprising that BTA organizes is included in the initiative "14 Centuries of Bulgaria in Europe", led by BTA, the Bulgarian National Television, and the Bulgarian National Radio. Culture Dimitrina Solakova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1117695-three-day-marking-of-april-uprising-launched-in-panagyurishte-with-150-greetings https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1117695-three-day-marking-of-april-uprising-launched-in-panagyurishte-with-150-greetings Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:28:47 +0300 Three-day celebrations of 150 years since the April Uprising began at the Memorial House Theatre in Panagyurishte on Thursday with the 150 Greetings from Around the World initiative. Through video messages, children and youth from around the globe took part in the initiative.  Afterwards, a theatre play was staged based on Stefan Tsanev's Children of the World. In his address, Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov thanked those in attendance for caring for historical memory. "That means we realize that we are part of something much bigger than us: Bulgaria," he said. Among those in attendance were BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) Director General Milen Mitev, Prof. Georgi Valchev, Rector of the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia, and Boyko Vassilev, journalist and Panorama talk-show presenter on the Bulgarian National Television. Earlier in the day, they took part in a conference on the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising, organized by BTA and hosted by the Panagyurishte History Museum. The celebrations continue with a 150 Flames show at the 20 April Square in Panagyushte. Culture Dimitrina Solakova BTA correspondent Gergana Kurtakova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1117694-panagyurshte-museum-director-april-uprising-shows-bulgarians-succeed-when-they- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1117694-panagyurshte-museum-director-april-uprising-shows-bulgarians-succeed-when-they- Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:10:00 +0300 The April Uprising and the Unification are examples that Bulgarians achieve success when they act independently and surprise the world. History is a science of the past, but also a look into the future - it teaches us to move forward together and not repeat old mistakes, said Assoc. Prof. Atanas Shopov, Director of the Historical Museum in Panagyurishte, during a BTA-hosted conference on “150 Years since the April Uprising - 1876”, on Thursday. He recalled that April 30 is one of the saddest days for Panagyurishte 150 years ago, when the local population risked everything in the name of future freedom, even though they knew they would lose. According to him, as early as the mid-19th century, the town already had a well-developed civic society - with dozens of guild associations and hundreds of shops, all of which were placed in service of the common cause. The insurgents knew they would not defeat the Ottoman Empire, but they aimed to awaken the people’s belief in their own strength, Shopov noted. He said that the April Uprising provides numerous examples of patriotism that should be interpreted and passed on. He also pointed to the assembly in Oborishte as an example of early statehood and tolerance - values that should be carried into the modern European context. According to him, Panagyurishte plays a key role in the formation of Bulgarian state traditions. The forum is organized with the support of the Panagyurishte Municipality and the Historical Museum in the town and is part of a series of BTA discussions marking the anniversary of the uprising. The event is part of the 14 Centuries of Bulgaria in Europe initiative of BTA, the Bulgarian National Television, and the Bulgarian National Radio, dedicated to significant anniversaries in Bulgarian history up to 2032, when 1,400 years will be marked since the creation of Old Great Bulgaria. Culture Petya Petrova BTA Correspondent Tanya Blagova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1117689-three-journalists-helped-shape-impact-of-april-uprising-journalist-boyko-vassil https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1117689-three-journalists-helped-shape-impact-of-april-uprising-journalist-boyko-vassil Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:00:00 +0300 Three journalists left a lasting imprint on the success of the April Uprising, which ultimately led to the Russo-Turkish War and Bulgaria's liberation, journalist Boyko Vassilev said at a conference in Panagyurishte marking the 150th anniversary of the uprising. the conference is organized by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA). Vassilev, host of the Panorama programme on Bulgarian National Television, identified the three figures as Zahari Stoyanov, who documented both the light and shadow of Bulgaria's fate; Hristo Botev, who publicized the seizure of the ship Radetzky and the end of his life, shaking Europe; and Januarius MacGahan, who exposed the atrocities in Bulgaria to a European audience. "Words are truthful when they speak of both light and shadow," Vassilev said. He highlighted a powerful scene from Zahari Stoyanov's Notes on the Bulgarian Uprisings, describing how Georgi Benkovski watches the burning of Panagyurishte and the murder of those who trusted him, yet declares that his goal has already been achieved. According to Vassilev, the moment captures profound tragedy and the moral weight of leadership. Commenting on BTA’s conference series, he said they are not lectures but conversations linking the historical events to present-day Bulgaria, as the uprising raises enduring questions still relevant to the country's public life. Vassilev also noted that even during the 50th anniversary of the uprising, Bulgarian society was deeply divided, offering what he described as a warning that remains contemporary today. "The April Uprising is an eternal political Bulgaria that we continue to see," he concluded. Culture Yoanna Vodenova BTA correspondent Irina Shopova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1117605-panagyurishte-mayor-urges-bulgarians-to-be-worthy-heirs-of-april-uprising-heroes https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1117605-panagyurishte-mayor-urges-bulgarians-to-be-worthy-heirs-of-april-uprising-heroes Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:43:00 +0300 Bulgarians should strive to be worthy heirs of the ordinary people whom history turned into heroes, Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov said at the national conference marking 150 years since the April Uprising, organized by Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) at the Panagyurishte History Museum. Referring to the heroes of the April Uprising, Gagov said the anniversary should prompt reflection on unity and national pride. He noted that the commemorations coincide with an election campaign, drawing a contrast between today's political leaders and those of the past, adding that the comparison is "not in favour of our present day". According to him, the anniversary should be marked for two main reasons: to make it a truly national commemoration, as the uprising itself aspired to be, and to help people relive and understand history as a source of pride. Gagov said Bulgarians suffer from a "deficit of pride" and the anniversary is an opportunity to recall the achievements of their ancestors, stressing that today’s generations share the same roots. He drew a contrast between the young revolutionaries of 1876 and today's youth, noting that while modern generations focus on social media, their predecessors at the same age were preparing for sacrifice and "choosing immortality". The mayor emphasized that the heroes of the April Uprising were not mythical figures but real people, and called for their legacy to be understood in human terms. "They are us," Gagov said, urging Bulgarians to live up to the example of those "ordinary people whom history made great". The conference is part of a series of discussions organized by BTA to mark the 150th anniversary of the uprising and is included in the initiative "14 Centuries of Bulgaria in Europe", led by BTA, the Bulgarian National Television and the Bulgarian National Radio. Culture Yoanna Vodenova BTA Correspondent Tanya Blagova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1117594-sofia-rector-prof-valchev-it-is-time-to-look-at-history-as-living-page https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1117594-sofia-rector-prof-valchev-it-is-time-to-look-at-history-as-living-page Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:19:00 +0300 “It is time to look at history as a living page. It is time to shed the false patriotism, the grandiose words, the slogans that are usually raised during traditional commemorations. Bulgaria is going through a very complex period, very similar to the one Bulgarians experienced in 1876,” said Sofia University Rector Prof. Georgi Valchev on Thursday during a BTA-hosted conference, titled “150 Years since the April Uprising of 1876” in Panagyurishte. He also noted that it was the first time he had taken part in such meaningful discussions, which, he said, were made possible thanks to the initiative of BTA Director General Kiril Valchev. “First, it should be noted that 1876 was the result of numerous attempts by Bulgarians to find a solution to their political liberation. The entire nineteenth century is filled with such attempts, including efforts to use international conflicts in the Balkans and in Europe to resolve the Bulgarian question. After so many unsuccessful attempts, Bulgarians realized that if you want to live well and with dignity, you must take responsibility yourself. The year 1876 shows that Bulgarians wanted to take their own destiny into their own hands. This is one of the most important lessons from the past. Today we live in an extremely complex time, major conflicts are raging around the world, and young people do not feel like a community. Young people need to hear history so that they know that heroes are not unattainable,” added Valchev. “The second major lesson from 1876 is that it happened because there were people who believed in the future of this country. Such commemorations should mark the beginning of our continuous responsibility for preserving memory. We must tell the stories of the events, and revive the family histories from those times. The third major lesson on this topic is to believe in young people. It was precisely the younger generation at that time that took on this heavy responsibility. It is one thing to accept self-sacrifice as an idea yourself, and another to take responsibility for sending many others to their deaths. In those memorable days we were a society. It is our duty and our work to organize our state,” Prof. Valchev concluded. Culture Petya Petrova BTA correspondent Gergana Kurtakova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1117519-talks-on-april-uprising-revive-memory-of-freedom-martyrs-says-bta-director-gene https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1117519-talks-on-april-uprising-revive-memory-of-freedom-martyrs-says-bta-director-gene Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:11:36 +0300 Talks on the April Uprising revive the memory of the martyrs for Bulgaria’s freedom, Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Director General Kiril Valchev said on Thursday. He was speaking at the opening of a conference dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the 1876 April Uprising at the Historical Museum in Panagyurishte, Central Bulgaria. The conference is part of events marking the anniversary and is the final one in a series of discussions through which BTA has encouraged dialogue on the occasion of 150 years since the uprising. The conferences were held in the agency's press clubs in the centres of the four revolutionary districts of the uprising – Veliko Tarnovo, Sliven, Vratsa and Panagyurishte, as well as in Ruse and Giurgiu. The moderator and host of all events was journalist and Panorama talk-show presenter on the Bulgarian National Television, Boyko Vassilev, while St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia Rector Prof. Georgi Valchev took part in all discussions. "In these talks we discussed many important lessons from the April Uprising, useful for our present, but the most important is the consensus we reached – that we must see the big goals before the difficult steps needed to achieve them," Valchev said. He noted that wherever the uprising appeared unsuccessful, the discussions concluded that it led to its great success – the freedom of Bulgaria. According to him, the reminder that a failure can actually be a success is especially relevant around Easter, as the crucifixion of Jesus Christ becomes, in fact, salvation for humanity. Media can amplify the impact of an event so strongly that it changes public opinion and helps save an entire nation, as happened after the April Uprising across Europe, Valchev stressed. Valchev noted that the discussions are planned to continue in the agency's press clubs abroad, in Bucharest, Belgrade and Odesa. He read excerpts from Zahari Stoyanov's Notes on the Bulgarian Uprisings, from which, he said, valuable recommendations for leaders can be drawn. Among them are that a leader must be active, must not be tempted by personal future gain, and must protect followers from despair so as not to leave them disoriented. Other lessons, according to Valchev, include that different levels of leadership are needed, that leaders should be chosen according to their knowledge, and that a leader is not above the people. "As early as December, we began with a discussion at the BTA National Press Club in Ruse to mark the 1875 decision of the Giurgiu Revolutionary Committee to launch the uprising," Valchev recalled. Before that, flowers were laid in Giurgiu at memorial plaques marking the places where the committee had met and where Hristo Botev’s detachment boarded the Radetzky ship. Tribute was also paid at the Pantheon of National Revival Heroes in Ruse, where 453 people are commemorated, participants in the April Uprising, Botev's detachment and the volunteers.  In January, the first discussion in a revolutionary district centre was held in Vratsa, where Hristo Botev was also honoured, as he joined the uprising at its end with his detachment, Valchev said. Before the discussion on February 18 in Sliven, flowers were laid at the monument of Vasil Levski in the city, and after it at the monument to Stoil Voyvoda in his native village in Nova Zagora Municipality, which bears his name.  In Koprivshtitsa on April 20, the day of the first shot of the uprising, BTA presented the April issue of LIK magazine dedicated to the April Uprising, together with a publication on the topic by the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS). Valchev announced that, prompted by these discussions, the 2026 Meeting of Bulgarian Media, organized by BTA, will be dedicated to the topic "Media and Leaders". It will be held in Hungary and will mark 1,080 years since the dormition of St. John of Rila and 10 years since October 19 was declared the Day of Bulgarian-Hungarian Friendship. Culture Tatiana Marinova BTA correspondent Irina Shopova