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
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 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
Wonderful photos, Duta, and the costumes are lovely!
ReplyDeleteYes, 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.
ReplyDeleteI like the costumes but what I noticed also was the different kinds of fun people were having. Strolling, sitting, or playing chess.
ReplyDeleteActually the dancers with their costumes were in one spot (the Nedelya church square), whereas the activities mentioned by you were in the City Garden.
DeleteLooks 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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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.
DeleteWhat a lovely garden. We really enjoy all our festivals in summer. Winter is coming!
ReplyDeleteSuch a colorful post!
I agree with ou about the word 'colorful'; the garden is colorful, costumes are colorful - hence my post is also colorful.
DeleteHi Duta! It looks and sounds like there were activities there to entertain all ages! The theater does look very imposing, quite beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
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.
DeleteLovely 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.
ReplyDeleteWell, variety is always the name of the game. City Garden offers something of everything to anyone interested.
DeleteLove 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.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't take my eyes off the dancer statue. The costumes were a real feast to the eyes.
DeleteThat is a lot of culture being lived, displayed and enjoyed! How wonderful. The pictures bring your stories to life! Love it. Very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteYou've summed it up perfectly. Thank you.
DeleteUntil 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!! :)
ReplyDeleteCrossing Lines sounds like a TV series worth watching. Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, is indeed a lovely place.
DeleteThis all sounds and looks so fabulous and inspiring. I do enjoy fall activities such as those you have described. :)
ReplyDeleteYou mean 'summer' activities. In Fall, it usually rains in Europe, and the weather is chilly (certainly in your Canada), so outdoor activities are scarce.
DeleteThis is a beautiful place. I'm sure you enjoyed your day.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Joyce. Indeed, a beautiful place. I've enjoyed my whole week in Sofia,not only this particular day.
DeleteThanks 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.
ReplyDeleteIt 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.
DeleteThat 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!
ReplyDeleteI think this is typical of small countries, especially in East Europe.
DeleteThis 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.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
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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