Saturday, September 16, 2017

Summer Treat


Summer is over, and with it are its various treats we've become used to.
Every year, in summer , the big municipalities of many places in the world ,tend to organize open-air cultural events for the whole family, in parks and/or central squares. These events include: book fairs, art exhibitions, flower shows, folk dances, various competitions.


art display

In the municipal City Garden of Sofia , I've incidentally come upon  a performance of a stand-up comic.. Everyone was laughing, but me. Because of language barrier I left the spot, and decided to tour the beautiful garden,  which lies in front of the imposing Ivan Vazov National Theater.


Ivan Vazov National Theater

It's a small, lovely garden in the city center, to which the residents of Sofia come for recreation and entertainment. It has fountains, statues, benches, grass, flowerbeds, childrens' playground, a newspaper kiosk, and even a tourist information office.


family stroll in the City Garden

People sit on the edge of the fountain, or on benches and have a chat, or listen to street musicians, engage in a game of chess with other amateur players, or watch a concert.


people on edge of fountai - female dancer statue in the middle


 elderly chess players

The next day, near the Nedelya orthodox church which is geographically the very center of the city, I had the chance to see dance groups from all over the world in traditional costumes. A stunning sight! 

Nedelya Church in the background





At first, I thought they were going to perform there, but it took me some time to understand that the place was too small and that it only served as their gathering point. The groups were headed to some other place to give their performance. I couldn't follow them as I was on my way to some appointment. My loss!








28 comments:

  1. Wonderful photos, Duta, and the costumes are lovely!

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  2. Yes, the costumes are splendid. There were many dance groups, and so a great variety of costumes seen in the area. It was a feast to the eyes.

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  3. I like the costumes but what I noticed also was the different kinds of fun people were having. Strolling, sitting, or playing chess.

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    1. Actually the dancers with their costumes were in one spot (the Nedelya church square), whereas the activities mentioned by you were in the City Garden.

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  4. Looks like a beautiful and peaceful city! So special with all the fountains, gardens, playgrounds and dance group... passing all this on your way home, such a treat!

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    1. The citizens of this city are lucky with its lovely, colorful places of retreat such as the City Garden. It gives them a good chance to relax and or engage in summer activities.

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  5. What a lovely garden. We really enjoy all our festivals in summer. Winter is coming!
    Such a colorful post!

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    1. I agree with ou about the word 'colorful'; the garden is colorful, costumes are colorful - hence my post is also colorful.

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  6. Hi Duta! It looks and sounds like there were activities there to entertain all ages! The theater does look very imposing, quite beautiful!
    I love summer and am not ready for fall, esp. because that means winter and snow is not far away. Just wondering----does it get very cold in the winter time in this area?
    Thanks for the interesting post and take care!

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    1. Exactly, activities for all ages.As for your question, Bulgaria's in Europe, so naturally winters are cold. In Israel winters are relatively mild, but lately they've become quite harsh. Climate anomaly is present everywhere on the globe.

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  7. Lovely place to spend a couple of days, or just an afternoon. Nice that you don't have to be committed to just one aspect what is being offered...there are multiple things to do and see.

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    1. Well, variety is always the name of the game. City Garden offers something of everything to anyone interested.

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  8. Love the park and the dance statue. I love dancing any dance. What a shame that they didn't perform. Beautiful costumes and there are some Pacific Islanders as well I think.

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    1. I couldn't take my eyes off the dancer statue. The costumes were a real feast to the eyes.

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  9. That is a lot of culture being lived, displayed and enjoyed! How wonderful. The pictures bring your stories to life! Love it. Very inspiring.

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  10. Until your posts about Sofia, I'd never heard of the beautiful, interesting city...and then, a few days ago I was watching the TV series, "Crossing Lines"...and Sofia featured therein!! :)

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    1. Crossing Lines sounds like a TV series worth watching. Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, is indeed a lovely place.

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  11. This all sounds and looks so fabulous and inspiring. I do enjoy fall activities such as those you have described. :)

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    1. You mean 'summer' activities. In Fall, it usually rains in Europe, and the weather is chilly (certainly in your Canada), so outdoor activities are scarce.

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  12. This is a beautiful place. I'm sure you enjoyed your day.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Joyce. Indeed, a beautiful place. I've enjoyed my whole week in Sofia,not only this particular day.

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  13. Thanks for sharing these wonderful pictures from Sofia.Wonder where these beautifully and colorfully costumed performers were headed. I noticed two Indian women in saree and blouse(third picture from bottom). This must have been an International event.

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    1. It appears the dance groups, from many countries in the world, have come to Sofia to participate in the 21 Vitosha international folklore festival held in the bulgarian capital during end of July period.

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  14. That is so different from where I live. Here people honestly don't gather like that in public places unless its for a specific event like a concert or a sporting event of some type. It's so nice to see people just gathering in public places to stroll and visit. I'd love to visit your Sofia!

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    1. I think this is typical of small countries, especially in East Europe.

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  15. This event sounds interesting. I'd love to see the folk dances. The garden in the city center sounds peaceful, and the front of the building is beautiful with the water. How wonderful to see all those dance groups. It's such a treat for me to learn about other's cultures and traditions.

    ~Sheri

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    1. When I was there, the fountains were not working, but I saw a picture with the cascades made by them when in function, and it was very impressive.

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