Dozens of sand sculptures adorn the entry to Sofia popular Southern Park, evoking feelings of sea and all the good that the summer season has to offer.

All figures have been made of more than 600 tons of plain sand with high clay content.

The festival will continue until October 31, while revenues will granted as aid to disadvantaged children in Sofia's Mladost district.

The good news comes a month after Bulgaria's Black Sea city of Burgas launched its fifth consecutive festival of sand sculptures.

A total of 18 sculptors from 9 countries have made 18 sculptures using 3500 tons of sand. The sculptures represent Aladdin, the little red riding hood, the beauty and the beast, the brave tin soldier and others.

The festival is attracting thousands of Bulgarian and foreign tourists spending their vacation on Bulgaria's southern Black Sea coast. It will last until September 15 - or until the beginning of October if the weather is favorable.