Sofia turned night into day in the first minutes after mignight on January 1, 2007, when the country celebrated its accession to the European Union. Photo by Kameliya Atanasova (Sofia Photo Agency)
The night sky of Sofia has turned into daylight for some fifteen minutes when a sweeping fireworks and light show marked the accession of Bulgaria to the EU.
The spectacle was a product of Gert Hoff, known for his spectacular and unique works of light art and as Ramstein's scene design guru.
Thousands of revellers crammed into downtown Battenberg Square in the capital and cheered as the clock counted down midnight and welcomed the New Year.
Bulgarians were celebrating jointly the advent of 2007 and their accession to the European Union.
Fireworks lit up the sky over the building where the Communist Party once had its headquarters, and the European Union's anthem sounded out over loudspeakers.
Thousands of people danced at street parties across Bulgaria to celebrate the country's entry to the bloc.
Rock concerts reverberated through the streets of Bulgaria's towns and cities, starting from Kavarna-based gig of Ronnie James Dio and ending in Sofia, with the songs of Europe.