AGP Executive Report

St John of Rila: Patriarchs Daniil and Bartholomew arrived at Rila Monastery for celebrations honouring Bulgaria’s patron saint, marking 1,150 years since his birth and 1,080 years since his death. Children’s Books: A Kazanlak exhibition traces Bulgarian illustrated books for young readers, from an 1893 magazine to works by artists including Iliya Beshkov. Bulgarian-Hungarian Ties: An exhibition on Hungarian exiles in Shumen opened in Sofia for Bulgarian-Hungarian Friendship Day, as the 21st World Meeting of Bulgarian Media began in Budapest. Returning Home: A survey of 2,286 Bulgarians across 51 countries explores what draws people back and what holds them abroad; its findings will be presented in Sofia on 20 October. Film: Bulgarian creators won Best Screenplay at Skopje’s KineNova festival for My Father’s Shoes, while 3 Weeks After, a Bulgarian-linked co-production, earned Best Director. Living Heritage: A feature explores the gaida’s enduring place in Bulgarian music, while Kazanlak’s Ahinora museum gives new life to Ivan Milev’s celebrated painting.

Church & Heritage: Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew prayed together in Sofia, calling for unity and peace as Bulgaria marks major anniversaries of St. John of Rila. Film: Bulgarian-French coproduction My Father’s Shoes won Best Screenplay at North Macedonia’s KineNova festival; Yesterday the Eye Didn’t Sleep took the top feature prize. Folk Traditions: Bulgaria’s gaida bagpipe remains a living emblem of the country’s music and rituals, passed down through generations. Art & Museums: Kazanlak’s museum gives Ivan Milev’s 1925 painting Ahinora its own home and tells the story behind the town’s celebrated masterpiece. Music: Sofia marks 120 years of mandolin orchestras with a new history, a lecture and concerts, culminating on October 24.

St John of Rila Celebrations: Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew attended Sunday’s liturgy at Sofia’s St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, marking anniversaries of the saint’s birth and death; celebrations continue at Rila Monastery on Monday. Music Heritage: Sofia is marking 120 years of mandolin orchestras with a new history, a lecture and concerts, culminating in a Prima Visione Orchestra performance on October 24. Artists’ Day: Bulgarian artists marked their professional holiday on October 18, with galleries and arts institutions celebrating the tradition associated with St Luke, patron of painters and iconographers. Culture Abroad: BTA’s LIK magazine issue on St John of Rila and Rila Monastery has been translated into Hungarian and will be presented at a Bulgarian media gathering in Hungary. Exhibition: “Mount Athos in Sofia,” featuring paintings and photographs of the monasteries and their monks, is open at the National Palace of Culture until November 15. Bulgarian Film: Stefan Komandarev’s award-winning “Made in EU” screens in Bratislava on October 20, as part of a Bulgarian film festival.

Orthodox Heritage: The “Mount Athos in Sofia” exhibition has opened at the National Palace of Culture, bringing together paintings and photographs of the monasteries and monastic life. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil attended; the exhibition runs until November 15. Bulgarian Cinema Abroad: Stefan Komandarev’s award-winning Made in EU will screen in Bratislava on October 20 as part of the Bulgarian Film Festival. Cultural Diplomacy: Cambodia has opened a permanent books, arts and heritage corner at Bulgaria’s National Library in Sofia. Art and Film: Plovdiv’s International Photography Meetings explores memory and identity, while Sofia’s CineLibri festival has opened its 12th edition, featuring Danny Boyle’s Ink and four Bulgarian film premieres. Bulgarian Studies: Comenius University in Bratislava marked 100 years of academic study of Bulgarian with a conference and a concert of Bulgarian polyphonic music.

Faith and Heritage: Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is in Bulgaria for celebrations honoring St John of Rila, including a joint service at Rila Monastery and a Sofia exhibition on Mount Athos. Cultural Bridges: Cambodia has opened a permanent books, arts and heritage corner at Sofia’s National Library, while Bratislava marked 100 years of academic Bulgarian studies with a concert by vocal quartet Svetoglas. Bulgarian Communities Abroad: Elka Rouskov received the St Zlata Meglenska award for supporting Bulgarian schools, libraries and cultural groups in North America. Photography: Plovdiv’s International Photography Meetings opened with the theme “Memory and Identity,” exploring how images connect personal and shared histories. Folk Traditions: Strazhitsa’s Wheat Bread Festival celebrates Bulgarian bread-making with folklore, music, cooking events and activities for children.

Photography: Plovdiv’s International Photography Meetings opened with five Bulgarian and international photographers exploring “Memory and Identity” through images. Folk Heritage: A traditional Shopluk two-voice song, recorded in Sofia Province, captures the humour and tensions of family life in Bulgarian folklore. Food & Tradition: Strazhitsa’s 14th Wheat Bread Festival celebrates local baking, music and folklore, while a Plovdiv conference spotlights Bulgarian food and wine as draws for tourism. Culture on Screen: Bulgarian National Television’s culture and education channel BNT 2 marks 15 years of bringing arts, history, regional stories and Bulgarian films to audiences. Books & Film: Sofia’s 12th CineLibri festival has opened with Danny Boyle’s Ink, with four Bulgarian films also set to premiere. Bulgarian Abroad: Bratislava marks 100 years of academic Bulgarian studies with a conference, exhibitions and a concert by Bulgarian vocal quartet Svetoglas; in Budapest, bilingual magazine Haemus prepares to celebrate its 35th anniversary.

Film & Literature: Sofia’s 12th CineLibri festival has opened with 75 films and more than 40 events, while Bulgarian writer Radostina Nikolova and illustrator Nevena Angelova are nominated for the 2027 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. Creative Industries: CreaTech Summit South-East Europe brings more than 45 speakers to Sofia to explore creativity and AI, with workshops, immersive experiences and a young filmmakers’ competition. Heritage & Community: Bulgaria’s 3,600 chitalishte community centres are seeking more reliable funding and support for repairs and library services. Seattle-based Elka Ruskova has received the Bulgarian Woman of the Year award for sustaining Bulgarian language and cultural groups abroad. Rights: The EU’s top court ruled that Bulgaria must recognize the parental rights of a same-sex couple listed on their child’s Spanish birth certificate. A Bulgarian survey also found 93% of lesbian, bisexual and non-binary respondents had experienced harassment or violence. On the Calendar: Plovdiv’s Aviation Museum marks Bulgarian Aviation and Air Force Day with cockpit visits and family activities; the city’s Science Festival returns October 22–25.

Film: Bulgarian-Greek short Black Money for White Nights is among the films shortlisted for the 2027 European Film Awards; Bulgarian co-production Guria is also in FilmFestival Cottbus’ feature competition. Literature: Bulgarian author Radostina Nikolova and illustrator Nevena Angelova are nominated for the 2027 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, one of the world’s leading children’s literature prizes. CineLibri: Sofia’s 12th book-and-film festival has opened with 75 films and more than 40 events; four Bulgarian films will premiere, including She Who Remains and Taxi to Paradise. Community Culture: Parliament has begun discussions on funding, repairs and staffing for Bulgaria’s roughly 3,600 chitalishte community centres. On the Calendar: Plovdiv Science Festival returns October 22–25 with talks, workshops, exhibitions and a science-theatre performance. Bulgarian Heritage Abroad: The Bulgarian community in Kyiv has started work on a garden at the city’s botanical garden, planned with roses, grapevines and Bulgarian art.

Film & Literature: CineLibri opens in Sofia with 75 films and more than 40 events; four Bulgarian titles will premiere, including She Who Remains and Taxi to Paradise. Music: Blind performers from different generations take the stage at Sofia’s Shared Light concert, which also highlights the need for more children’s books in Braille. The Sofia Philharmonic pairs Robert and Clara Schumann’s piano concertos, while a literary and musical evening in Vienna explores Balkan identities. Eurovision 2027: The government has allocated another €4.8 million to Burgas for preparations, including technical work at Arena Burgas; Sofia’s SoAlive conference is bringing together music-industry professionals. Arts & Events: Sofia’s CreaTech Summit will examine creativity and AI on October 16, and Burgas’s free Age of Aquarius theatre and dance festival runs October 21–25. Children: A new report gives Bulgaria an average 3.28 out of 10 for child welfare over 15 years, citing persistent poverty and uneven access to care.

Eurovision 2027: The government has allocated an extra €4.8 million to Burgas for preparations, including technical work at Arena Burgas, ahead of the contest in May 2027. Music & Creative Industries: Sofia’s SoAlive conference and festival is bringing more than 300 music professionals together, with over 50 free performances through October 16. A CreaTech summit on October 16 will explore creativity in the age of AI and the cultural impact of major events. Festivals & Film: CinEast in Luxembourg opens with a Bulgarian focus, featuring seven feature films, two shorts, concerts and a photography exhibition through October 25. Burgas’s Age of Aquarius theatre and dance festival runs October 21–25, with free performances from Bulgaria and abroad. Art & Heritage: An exhibition at NATFA traces the intersecting careers of poet Stefan Tsanev and actress Doroteya Toncheva. Ten Bulgarian artists are also showing work in Thessaloniki through November 3. Petkovden: Troyan marked Saint Petka’s feast day with church services, an arts exhibition and awards for local figures, including biathletes Lora Hristova and Milena Todorova.

Cultural Institutions: Moldova’s culture minister met with local officials in Taraclia to discuss staffing shortages, pay and funding for cultural venues, including grants to attract young professionals. Art & Photography: Sofia Art Fair drew record attendance and nearly €500,000 in sales. Plovdiv’s International Photography Meetings open on October 16 with exhibitions exploring “Memory and Identity.” Folk Traditions: Sliven’s Friends Through Dance festival brings folk dance groups to Tuida Fortress on October 17. On View: Sofia’s Ikebana exhibition celebrates chrysanthemums and Japanese floral art through October 18. Cultural Tourism: Bulgaria is preparing to host a UN Tourism forum in the Rose Valley in May 2027, highlighting local heritage and the rose harvest. Sofia has also topped a European city-break ranking for 2027.

Contemporary Art: Sofia Art Fair closed with nearly €500,000 in sales and record attendance, drawing galleries and artists from eight countries. What’s On: Plovdiv’s International Photography Meetings open October 16 around the theme “Memory and Identity”; Sliven’s Friends Through Dance folklore festival follows on October 17. Sofia’s chrysanthemum-inspired ikebana exhibition runs through October 18. City Breaks: Sofia topped European Best Destinations’ ranking for 2027, praised for combining ancient history, contemporary culture and easy access to the mountains. Cultural Heritage: Fifty-three religious treasures returned by Bulgaria to Greece after 109 years have gone on display in Thessaloniki. Cultural Tourism: Bulgaria is preparing to host a UN Tourism forum in the Rose Valley in May 2027, with plans to showcase rose oil production and Thracian heritage.

Arts in Sofia: An ikebana exhibition opens today at the National Museum of Earth and People, featuring autumn arrangements by Japan’s Sogetsu school through 18 October. Bulgarian Art Abroad: A Berlin exhibition marks the 80th anniversary of Burgas artist Stoyan Tsanev, with paintings and graphics spanning four decades. Cultural Heritage: The 16th Wonders of Bulgaria awards honoured sites including the Valley of the Thracian Kings and Madara Rider, alongside people and institutions safeguarding the country’s heritage. Repatriated Treasures: Fifty-three historic church artefacts recently transferred from Bulgaria are on display in Thessaloniki until 5 November, before returning to their original monasteries and institutions. Music and Theatre: The Bulgarian National Radio Children’s Choir performed in Zagreb, while Sofia’s Alter Ego Festival brings theatre and dance artists from six countries to the capital through 16 October. City Breaks: Sofia topped European Best Destinations’ public vote for the continent’s leading city-break destination for 2027.

Cultural Heritage: Sofia hosted the 16th Wonders of Bulgaria awards, honoring heritage sites including the Valley of the Thracian Kings and the Madara Rider, alongside people and institutions preserving traditions. Historic Treasures: An exhibition of 53 church artefacts returned by Bulgaria to Greece is open in Thessaloniki until November 5, before the objects go back to their monasteries and churches. Stage: Sofia’s Alter Ego festival brings theatre and dance from six countries to Alma Alter Laboratory Theatre through October 16. Music: Bulgaria’s National Radio Children’s Choir performed in Zagreb, blending Bulgarian music with classical and contemporary works; further concerts are planned in Croatia. Cultural Exchange: Bratislava marks 100 years of Bulgarian studies at Comenius University with a conference and a concert of Bulgarian polyphony on October 15–16. Travel: Sofia topped European Best Destinations’ public vote for the continent’s leading city break destination for 2027.

Theatre and Dance: Sofia’s Alter Ego International Festival opens today, bringing performers from six countries to the Alma Alter Laboratory Theatre for five days of shows, workshops and discussions. Art Abroad: Bulgarian artist Kamen Bonev’s exhibition opens in Luxembourg on October 17, while organisers of Sofia Art Fair say interest in contemporary art is growing after this year’s event drew 27 galleries from eight countries. Cultural Heritage: Fifty-three church treasures taken from monasteries in Macedonia in 1917 are on display in Thessaloniki until November 5 before returning to their religious institutions; the exchange agreement also covers the return of Tsar Samuel’s remains to Bulgaria. Regional Stages: Blagoevgrad’s Balkan Theatre Festival will present seven productions from five countries on November 1–7, with a new programme of theatre screenings. Community Culture: Kardzhali’s 15th Month of America runs through October and November, with an exhibition on Benjamin Franklin and Bulgaria’s National Revival, student translation contests and events marking the US anniversary.

Bulgarian Art Abroad: Varna-born artist Kamen Bonev’s exhibition opens in Luxembourg on October 17, with a musical programme. Contemporary Art: Sofia Art Fair founder Suni Danadzha says interest in contemporary art is growing; this year’s fair brought together 27 galleries and exhibitors from eight countries. Cultural Heritage: Fifty-three treasures taken from monasteries in Macedonia in 1917 are on display in Thessaloniki until November 5, before returning to the churches they came from. Stage: Bulgarian-Greek co-production The Bacchae, directed by Javor Gardev, has earned five Greek theatre critics’ award nominations. Food & Folklore: Montana’s new Thread of Generations festival blended regional cooking, young writers, traditional costumes and folk music. Eurovision 2027: Burgas is preparing to welcome international visitors, with talks covering transport, security and a cultural programme.