Bansko Rings in the New Year

In this week’s Buzz:

• Red Angels on a handful of missions in first few days of 2026

• UK citizen detained for two weeks in a detention centre (or was he?)

• Telecopes Under The Stars event continues

• The ATM gave me 160BGN but charged me 400BGN!

• Bansko World Cup later this month

• Information about how dual currency works in January

Full houses, festive nights, and Kukeri traditions welcome 2026

Happy New Year!

Bansko celebrated New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in style.

Many parties and gatherings on New Year’s Eve to ring in 2026 and an abundance of foreign tourists coming to the resort over the festive period (there were a significant number of Greek and Romanian-registered cars in Bansko this year).

Lots of restaurants and mehanas were packed out on Wednesday night for the celebrations, which when it comes to smaller, locally owned businesses, makes me smile: they’re the lifeblood of Bansko outside of winter season and I always like to see them doing well.

And the usual NYD celebrations of the Kukeri in the square to ward off evil spirits at the start of the new year. A great showcase of a tradition of celebrating new beginnings that goes back thousands of years.

See some of the photos from the New Year’s Day Kukeri Parade here.

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Inside the Bansko Notice Board Group

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How to Calculate The Exact Change in January
With dual circulation in January (meaning you can pay in Leva and receive change in Euro), Preslav posted an easy-to-use app/website to make the calculations easier (and ensure you receive the right change).

The ATM Charged 400 BGN, But Only Gave Me 160 BGN
Stani posted to warn others that she’d used an ATM and it didn’t give her the correct amount. It turns out it was a Euronet ATM (blue & yellow ones), which have a reputation for high fees and incorrect amounts across Europe.

UK Citizen Detained for Two Weeks After Having Passport Stolen
Luben posted a link to a news article about a man with a UK passport who went to report it as stolen to the Bansko police station and was then detained for two weeks in “third-world conditions”. (However, things may not be all they seem: I’ve added a different news report in the comments.)

Christmas Cards Delivered to Bansko
Ashley posted that she’s been exchanging Christmas cards with her friend and wanted to let people know it arrived in Bansko.

Notice a Discrepancy on a BGN/EUR Cash Transaction? Here’s How To Report
Johnny posted information about what to do if you think you’ve been short-changed or if a business you’re transacting with isn’t acting lawfully during the period of dual circulation of currencies in January.

Bansko & Beyond

Local Municipality Confirms No Increase in Taxes & Fees
Bansko Municipality has confirmed that it will not increase taxes and fees in 2026. They will also reopen and charge any amounts in Euro from tomorrow (Monday, 5th of January). Read more.

Is The Road Up To Shiligarnika Passable?
The local municipality has added a feature to its website that shows whether the road up the mountain to the Shiligarnika parking area is open (it usually closes just after the Motikita restaurant on Pirin Street). Be mindful that this may or may not be accurate when you view it. It hasn’t been multiple times when I’ve checked this week. Read more.

Red Angel Being Used in Rescue Missions in First Days of New Year
The HEMS emergency helicopter team (aka the Red Angels) have already been called upon to help rescue people in trouble in the mountains of Bulgaria a number of times in the first few days of January (including in Bansko!). Read more.

The Bansko Free Tour Returns
Today (Sunday, 4th of January), the Bansko Free Tour restarted in town. This is a tour put on by individuals who want to share the history and stories of Bansko. They should now occur fairly regularly. Read more.

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Events Next Week

Bansko Runclub(ish)
If you love running, the local Runclub(ish) will meet at 6.30pm at Altspace Coworking on Gotse Delchev Street on Tuesday (6th). They will run at a moderate pace, covering 5km and end up at The Hub for refreshments. More info.

Regeneration: Therapy Cards Session (Razlog)
Harmoniya is running a therapy cards session in Razlog on Tuesday (6th) at 7pm. This event should help you uncover the answers that are already inside you. Price is 35 BGN. More info.

Telescopes Under The Stars (Planetarium)
These take place on Fridays and Saturdays 7pm to 8pm (price 7€) and lectures on Saturdays and Sundays at 2.30pm to 4.30pm (price 5€). The lectures will be in English or Russian. More info.

With the Scent of Christmas Exhibition
Running until Tuesday 20th of January, the Young Bulgarian Artists Association will have a "with the scent of Christmas" exhibition at the Tourist Information Center in Bansko. Display times are when the information center is open.

Bansko World Cup
On the 17th and 18th of January, the Bansko World Cup will take place on the mountain. This is a snowboarding alpine world cup for men and women, and will see a few slopes close. More info.

Regular events at popular places in town (like Runclub(ish) on a Tuesday, pool night at Smokey Mountain on a Thursday, Karaoke at Tipsy 360 on a Friday, and Bonkers Bingo at The Hub, etc) should all start back next week. I’ll include a list of weekly events in next week’s issue, so you know when they are.

Photo of the Week

New Year’s Eve in Bansko.

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