From a mussels weekend to a cinema vacation or how Bulgaria's Burgas draws tourists

published on 3/20/25 12:05 PM

Photo: Burgas and the Sea Festival

Last summer, Bulgaria's coastal city Burgas and the surrounding resort towns welcomed about 600,000 Bulgarian and foreign tourists, which is 21% more than in 2023. Recently, however, Burgas has also been developing as a cultural hub, attracting more and more visitors with ethno festivals, thematic events, sports competitions and cultural initiatives.

Burgas becomes Bulgaria’s new urban tourism destination

"The modern tourist is no longer looking for just a comfortable bed, good accommodation and a beach. The advantage of the city is that it offers an extremely rich event calendar, in which tourism, culture and sports go hand in hand," said Deputy Mayor Diana Savateva in an interview with Radio Bulgaria. And more:

Lenny Kravitz at Burgas Summer Live, 2024

"Burgas in August is a festival capital, because then there are big concerts in the most attractive space, and not only on the Black Sea coast - this is the open area of the Burgas port, where the big festivals Spice Music Festival and Burgas Summer Live take place. Last year, Lenny Kravitz was on stage, this year we will have other stars. Burgas launched a very successful initiative during the pandemic, which we plan to continue with our colleagues from tourism - these are our thematic weekends.

Festival cities in Bulgaria expect better allocation of funds for events

At the end of July, "Burgas and the Sea" takes place, which from 2024 includes two versions - one dedicated to the hit song, and the "junior" version aimed at young performers. Added to this are culinary weekends, such as the Mussel Weekend in June, presenting the gastronomic wealth of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.

And this year we will have a sports weekend with various outdoor activities and a green weekend dedicated to ecology and an environmentally friendly lifestyle. Interest in Bulgarian folklore has been on the rise in recent years, especially among young people. That is why our Sunday "horishte" (dancing event for traditional Bulgarian dances), which is held on the balustrade of the Sea Casino - one of the most attractive places in the city, is so popular, with the participation of professional groups, amateur groups and tourists wishing to learn the intricacies of the Bulgarian horo traditional dance."

Burgas aims to become European Capital of Culture in 2032

Burgas is also a city of cinema. Through its Culture fund, the Municipality supports a series of projects, with a special emphasis being given to Bulgarian cinema. During the last session of the fund, eight films and one series applied for municipal financing. The city of Burgas plays a key role in the storylines of these films, which in itself is a good tourist advertisement for the city.

Sofia Film Festival on the Black Sea coast

"We have several prestigious film festivals. For example, Sofia Film Fest has its own extended edition on the seashore, namely in Burgas (March 20 - 28, 2025)", says Diana Savateva. "This year we celebrate its 23rd edition. In addition, for several years now, together with the National Film Center, we have been holding a Cinema Vacation in June, which is very well equipped for film screenings. Separately, the Festival of Documentary and Historical Cinema is also held in Burgas (17 to 22 September 2025). We also have the Burgas International Film Fest (12 to 18 July 2025), which this year will celebrate its 10th edition. Of course, we also have screenings within the framework of the prestigious autumn festival CineLibri."

At the end of January, Burgas Mayor Dimitar Nikolov officially announced that the city is actively participating in the race for the title of "European Capital of Culture 2032". "This cause deserves our unity, it will inspire, unite and open up new opportunities for our city," said Deputy Mayor Diana Savateva, who is also the chairwoman of the newly established Burgas 2032 Foundation for the preparation of the candidacy.

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Photos: BNR, Burgas Municipality, Facebook /Burgas and the Sea Festival, Facebook /Sofia Film Fest on the Coast, Facebook /The Festival of Documentary and Historical Cinema

English publication: Rositsa Petkova

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