Sofia Celebrates City Day with a Week of Cultural Extravaganza

The day commemorated the Orthodox Church's honoring of the great martyrs Hope, Faith, Love, and their mother Sophia, as well as the city's iconic Saint Sophia Church, symbolizing divine wisdom

The celebrations kicked off with a formal meeting of the Sofia Municipal Council, attended by Mayor Vasil Terziev. Several distinguished individuals were honored with honorary titles
The celebrations kicked off with a formal meeting of the Sofia Municipal Council, attended by Mayor Vasil Terziev. Several distinguished individuals were honored with honorary titles

Sofia, Bulgaria – September 17, 2024, marked a momentous occasion for the Bulgarian capital as it celebrated its city day with a vibrant and diverse cultural program. The festivities, a tribute to the city’s rich history and heritage, encompassed a wide range of events, from formal ceremonies to artistic performances.

The day commemorated the Orthodox Church’s honoring of the great martyrs Hope, Faith, Love, and their mother Sophia, as well as the city’s iconic Saint Sophia Church, symbolizing divine wisdom.

Advertisement

The celebrations kicked off with a formal meeting of the Sofia Municipal Council, attended by Mayor Vasil Terziev. Several distinguished individuals were honored with honorary titles, including the “Honorary Badge of the Sofia Municipality” and the “Badge of Sofia.”

A traditional flag-raising ceremony at the Basilica of Saint Sophia followed, accompanied by a water blessing performed by His Holiness Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel. Mayor Terziev delivered a heartfelt speech, marking the significance of the occasion.

Cultural highlights included the presentation of Sofia Municipality’s cultural awards at the Sofia City Art Gallery. Numerous attractions, such as the Regional History Museum, the Ancient Cultural and Communication Complex “Serdika,” and the Archaeological Park “West Gate of Serdika,” offered free entry to the public.

The “I am Sofia” festival, held in the park in front of the National Palace of Culture, ran from September 17 to 23. Additionally, the International Triennial of the Stage Poster and Exhibition Series “Walk of Fame” commenced on Slaveykov Square.

Evening events featured a festive dance performance at Zaimov Park, followed by a concert and fire show on Alabin Street.

The Municipal Cultural Institute House of Culture “Krasno Selo” hosted a concert by Galina Apostolova and Raisa Zapryanova as part of the “Musical Tuesdays” series. The “Derrida Dance Center” presented a captivating visual dance performance titled “Limits of Reality” at the “West Gate of Serdika” Archaeological Park.

The celebrations included numerous outdoor events such as exhibitions, music and dance performances, street theater, book festivals, and children’s activities. The Metropolitan Municipality, regional administrations, municipal cultural institutes, and partner organizations collaborated to create the “Sofia celebrates September 17” program.

Advertisement

In recognition of the city day, Mayor Vasil Terziev declared September 17 a non-school day for all schools within the municipality. However, students were still required to attend classes. To facilitate the ceremonial blessing with holy water, traffic restrictions were implemented in several areas of the city.

Sofia’s city day celebrations were a testament to the city’s vibrant culture, historical significance, and the enduring spirit of its people. The diverse range of events offered something for everyone, attracting both locals and visitors alike. As the week-long festivities concluded, Sofia reaffirmed its position as a cultural hub and a city that cherishes its heritage.