Velingrad celebrates 75 years since it was declared a town and 15 years since it officially received the title of Spa Capital of the Balkans. The emblematic Velingrad Culture Holidays also mark half a century, the municipality said. The festivities started on July 1, when traditionally the Day of Velingrad is celebrated. Throughout the month, various performances by popular artists will be held on the central town square Nicolai Ghiaurov. 

There will also be a jazz festival, a parade and performances by brass bands and cheerleaders, an evening dedicated to the art of opera, a rich and intense folklore programme, an open-air cinema, a plein air painting, literary and theatrical evenings, exhibitions, a parade of fairy-tale characters, a summer school of wood carving, pottery and weaving and other interesting initiatives.