Bansko As A Movie Set

In this week’s Buzz:

• I found a turtle in the street. Can I keep it?

• Coming across a film crew and actors walking up Pirin Street

• Warning for dog owners travelling to the Sofia region

• Popular Bachata & Kizomba dance classes are back

• More live music coming to Pirin 75

• Local 3km charity run in Bansko at the end of May

Pirin Street Stars in a Winter Wonderland Film

I’m heading up Pirin Street on Thursday afternoon, unsure what I see ahead until I get closer to Franco’s cafe. There’s tape blocking the way up the hill and a load of people walking about in heavy winter coats – it’s fairly warm, so there’s no need for a winter jacket.

Then I look over to one side and see a gazebo and a movie set camera on a track roller filming people. Oh, it’s a film production of some sort.

“John, John, you’re in the shot. You’re not meant to be there, get out of the way!” a director shouted to one of the actors. A few people were watching, so I decided to whip out my phone and take a video (you can see that here). They were filming a movie to promote a winter wonderland to people in the USA: was that for Bansko specifically? I’m unsure, as signs in the background indicated the Alps.

This isn’t the first time filming has happened in Bansko: one notable clip is of the old town, an hour or so into the movie Expendables 2. Pretty interesting when you watch it.

Local Charity — Mountain Rescue

In Bansko, the local mountain rescue service is made up mostly of volunteers. They will respond to a call 24/7, hiking to rescue someone no matter what the conditions. If you’ve enjoyed any part of the Pirin Mountains this year, now is the time to donate if you haven’t already. Donate here.

Inside the Bansko Notice Board Group

✍️ 41 New Posts, 💬 151 Comments, 👍️ 491 Reactions

I Found a Turtle in The Street. Can I Keep it?
Anastasia posted a photo of what she thought was a turtle that had “escaped” from someone’s house. It turns out it’s probably a wild tortoise, and it’s best to put it back. See what people commented.

Wait… Did Everyone Else Know That The Other Lidl is Closed Too?
Tony posted that he’d driven to the Lidl in Gotse Delchev wanting some cheddar cheese and found out it’s also closed for refurbishment. See what suggestions people had until the Razlog branch re-opens in late July.

Anywhere To Hire a Badminton Court in Town?
Pete wants to know if there’s anywhere in Bansko where you can hire a court and play badminton. See what people suggested.

Kangoo Jump Classes and Multisport Card Use in Bansko
Olga wanted to see if anyone knew a place where she could do kangoo jump classes in Bansko (don’t worry, I had to Google what they were too 😂), and if those places accept the Multisport card.

(The above posts are publicly accessible. You don’t need a Facebook account to view them.)

Local/Municipality News

Applied For a Local Parking Permit And Didn’t Hear Back? 
If you applied for a parking permit in Bansko over the last 6 months and didn’t hear back from them, it might still have been produced and waiting for you at the office. The municipality changed their systems, and some people haven’t received a notification.

Local Schools Battle It Out in Table Tennis Competition
Students from Bansko, Razlog, and Gotse Delchev schools battled it out in a table tennis competition this week. Bansko school students didn’t come out on top in any of the categories during the competition, but events were said to continue strengthening the connection between schools in the region and help stimulate the physical education of students. Read more.

Bansko Dance Club Takes Part in Folklore Festival in Italy
Local Bansko-based dance club Pirinsko Mood recently participated in the Two Steps From Venice international folklore festival in Italy. Dance groups from over twenty countries participated, and Pirinsko Mood was awarded a certificate for their choreography and dance performance. Read more.

Worker strikes are affecting some public transportation options in Sofia.

Recommended Businesses

SAVE on your ticket to Bansko Nomad Fest this year. Head to the BNF website and get €25 off using the discount code buzz on this page.

Shop on Amazon & get packages delivered to Bansko with GGBG. Regular transport from the UK, Germany and the USA to Bulgaria. See website for info.

Travelling out of your home country in 2025? Get travel insurance designed by travellers. True Traveller: one policy to cover all of your activities. Learn more.

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Events Next Week

Regular Dance Events Re-Start This Week
This Friday (23rd) at 8pm, Leroy re-starts his popular Bachata & Kizomba dance class events for the summer period (venue TBC: either FLC or D & Vino). He will also start up his Tuesday dance class at FLC in the next week or two. Follow his page here.

Friday Coworking Events
Altspace’s Friday Beers (here) is from 6pm to 8pm (BYOB), and Coliving Bansko’s Friday mixer (here) is from 8pm (drinks are available to purchase at the bar). Both are worth going to if you want to meet people and have a few conversations.

Matt Petrarca Playing at Pirin 75
On Saturday 31st of May, at around 5pm or 7pm (time to be confirmed), Matt Petrarca will be playing at Pirin 75. He has played at Smokey Mountain in the past, so it should be an enjoyable evening in the sun with some good music.

Bansko-Razlog Rotary Club’s Charity Run
Saturday 31st of May at 9.30am: a 3km run in Bansko to raise money for the “Give Them Wings” foundation supported by the local rotary club. Entrants must be 18 or older, and the participation fee is 10 BGN. More info.

School For Future Parents
On Saturday 31st of May at 10am, Razlog Hospital starts its monthly school for future parents to teach them what to expect and to support them. The topic for the first session is Preparation for Pregnancy, Birth and Care for the Newborn. More info.

Photo of the Week

As the sun goes down, Gotse Delchev Street shines brightly.

Tag @banskobuzz to get your photo in the Buzz.