Housing Prices Rise in Sofia, but Affordability Improves
Housing affordability in Sofia has improved since the pandemic, making it one of the few capitals in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) to experience this positive trend
Sofia's Lunar Festival of Lights is back, illuminating the city with more than 20 captivating light installations across its most iconic landmarks. From May 9 to 12, 2024, the organizers promise a dazzling experience, with a 4.5 km pedestrian route and a fresh addition to the festival's lineup - South Park 2.
This cultural extravaganza showcases video and static 3D mapping, immersive experiences, and a mesmerizing laser show, featuring contributions from over 20 artists worldwide.
07.06.2024 Update: Part of the central streets in the capital will be closed during the Lunar festival, reports BTA. During the festival, part of the streets "Angel Kanchev", "Graf Ignatiy", "Lege", "Tsar Shishman" and "Moskovska" will be closed to motor vehicle traffic after 7:00 p.m. In the section of Blvd. Tsar Osvoboditel" the passage of cars will be restricted after 8:00 p.m.The Deputy Mayor for Transport in the Capital Municipality, Iliyan Pavlov, urged citizens to use public transport. On the four evenings of the festival, all metro lines will run until 01:30, and night bus lines N1, N2, N3, N4 will run with a reduced interval, departing to the final stops on the route from "Knyaz Alexander I" Square at the times: 00:00, 00:30, 01:00, 02:00, 03:00, 04:00.The festival will take place in 22 locations, and the route will be 4.5 km long. A map with the locations of the festival can be found at the end of this article.
To begin with, the audience will be welcomed by two captivating video 3D mapping displays. These will be projected onto the hotel facade situated in Vasil Levski Square. The mesmerizing artwork "Traveler" by Polish artist Ari Dykier will evoke a celebration of the beauty found in everyday journeys, encouraging us to embrace the present moment. Shortly after, an enchanting display will transform the building into a spectrum of sensations, unveiling various aspects of femininity, as highlighted by the organizers.
Nearby, on the edifice of the National Gallery Square 500, fundamental natural elements will converge to communicate significant messages regarding the boundless potential of solar energy.
For four evenings, the realm of fairy tales will inhabit a new setting—the Renaissance-style facade of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, marking its inaugural inclusion in the event's program.
This year, spectators can engage in a 360-degree immersive encounter, transporting them to some of the world's most scorching locations. Positioned in the Prince's Garden, it will be aired every 30 minutes in a loop.
The journey continues along Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., where the National Gallery invites viewers to ponder life's choices. Nearby, artists leave their mark on the State Agency "Archives" building, delving into Bulgarian history.
At the capital's Largo, spectators can marvel at the CyberFlo holographic installation, followed by a showcase at the Regional History Museum featuring finalists from an international video mapping competition.
City Garden offers a visual feast with a transformed building and a "Painting with Light" workshop, engaging participants in creative expression.
Slaveykov Square hosts a video mapping show, highlighting the bond between poets Petko and Pencho Slaveykov.
Urban spaces see a permanent makeover with the "In the Whirlwind of the City" light installation, inviting residents and visitors for repeat visits.
South Park 2 emerges as a new festival hotspot, boasting eight captivating works, including an interactive 3D mapping projection at the Sofia Arsenal - Museum of Contemporary Art.
The festival culminates with an immersive experience at the wooden arch performance by Swedish artist Philip Jakobsson, underscoring humanity's connection with nature.
Sofia's Lunar Festival of Lights promises an enchanting blend of art, technology, and culture, inviting everyone to create unforgettable memories amidst the city's luminous splendor.
2024 Program - Lunar Festival of Lights
Overnight, light rain showers are expected, with no significant precipitation forecasted during the day
A tragic incident occurred yesterday afternoon at the "Shiligarnika" ski slope in the area above Bansko
On December 10, the weather across Bulgaria is expected to be mostly cloudy with periods of rain
In Bulgaria, more than 60% of people aged 60 to 64 remain active in the labor market, a figure that surpasses the European Union average.
From January 1, 2025, the maximum social security income in Bulgaria will rise to 4,130 leva
December 8 is celebrated as the holiday of Bulgarian students
Bulgaria Ranks Second in the Balkans at Paris 2024 Olympics, 26th Overall
Bulgaria Leads Europe in Heat-Related Deaths in Record-Breaking 2023