How Safe is Bansko at Night?

In this week’s Buzz:

• Is there an emergency dentist in Bansko?

• Anyone know what’s planned on the land near the Glazne River?

• Multiple arrests and money seizures over vote buying ahead of the election

• Government funding for bus transport amid growing fuel costs

• Parliamentary elections coming up next weekend

• Creative Bansko exhibition continues until Tuesday

Women share recent encounters that raise questions during busy periods.

This week, there was a discussion in one of the local Bansko WhatsApp groups about a guy who approached a woman as she was walking home alone late at night.

She was apprehensive about sharing the story as she didn’t know if she should, but it turns out it was the right decision, as another 4 to 5 other women said they’d experienced the same thing recently (identifying the same guy): walking in the general area of the Happy Market near 4Directions, up past Dream Hotel, and across to Old Inn/New Inn.

It wasn’t just a “hey cutie, want to grab a drink?” kind of thing, it seemed to be persistent. The guy opened in Bulgarian, switched to English, and asked the women for a drink (or similar) after complimenting them. In some instances, he asked a lot of questions, and things got awkward, or he stuck around and gave off creepy vibes.

Is this a normal occurrence? No. The town attracts different types of people during the two main seasons: winter and summer. That means there will be one or two oddballs in these periods. But this type of thing doesn’t happen all the time and wouldn’t be considered “normal” outside busy periods. (It wouldn’t even be considered “normal” in busy periods either, but it can happen.)

This reminds me of what I used to tell female visiting volunteers at Bansko Street Dogs. If we were in winter season or in busy periods over summer, I’d say something around the following: “Bansko is one of the safest places I’ve ever lived in the world, which means in general you can walk about on your own. However, if it’s past 11pm, then be aware of your surroundings. Don’t walk down dark streets on your own: walk in a group or get a lift.”

Outside of these busy times? I’d mention for them to be aware of their surroundings, but that people who live here (including foreigners) generally keep to themselves and won’t even say hi to a woman walking alone. We get to where we’re going, and that’s it.

On the whole, Bansko is a safe place, but if you’re a woman, it’s worth thinking things through during peak months and either walking home in a group or taking an overpriced taxi. Instances like these aren’t common, but I’d be naïve to believe they don’t happen or the above is a once-off.

If you’ve experienced anything like the above and felt unsafe/harassed, then I’d encourage you to either report it to the local police and/or the municipality.

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Inside the Bansko Notice Board Group

✍️ 76 New Posts, 💬 145 Comments, 👍️ 1,299 Reactions

Pros & Cons of Using GNET Internet Provider?
Vihra is considering taking out a GNET contract and wants people’s opinions on whether it's a good decision. See what people said.

Here’s My Recommendation for An English-speaking Driving Instructor
Josh recently took his driving test(s) for his full driving license and wanted to recommend the instructor he used. This was echoed by commentors who have also used Ivan.

Is There An Emergency Dentist in Bansko?
Evgenia posted asking whether anyone had a recommendation for a local dentist who would help in an emergency. See where people suggested.

Pulse Therme Fun Park is Free Today!
Tori posted a photo from Pulse Therme Fun Park (for children) in Banya, letting the community know that on Thursday the fun park had free entrance all day.

Anyone Know What is Planned Here?
Liraz posted a photo asking if anyone knew what is planned on the West side of the Glazne River. There were a few comments. The story was included in last week’s Buzz on the Municipal Council’s budget programme.

Bansko & Beyond

Government allocates €18M to support bus transport
I did wonder when this was going to happen with rising oil prices. The Bulgarian Government has allocated 18 million Euros to bus transport amid escalating fuel prices. This is to keep bus ticket prices at current rates and to prevent any layoffs. (Seems as though the government working group is doing their thing.) Read more.

Bulgaria cracks down on vote buying: arrests and money seizures
Across the country (and as close as Razlog & Banya), hundreds of people have been arrested and hundreds of thousands of Euros have been seized as part of the interim government’s crackdown on vote buying ahead of the elections next Sunday. Read more here and here.

Bansko is host town to multiple international festivals
Bansko has been the host town for many international festivals this winter, attracting participants from across Europe and as far as Brazil. Creative energy and young talent have transformed the main square's stage with celebrations through dance, music, and cultural diversity. Read more.

Local municipality celebrates forest week
Bansko Municipality celebrated Forest Week in Dobrinishte by planting new conifer trees in the town. This is part of the initiative to remove old, dying trees and branches, and to plant new, younger trees to bring life to a greener, more beautiful, and cleaner municipality. Read more.

Will customers find your business? Bansko is preparing for tens of thousands of visitors this summer. Attract the right customers to your location. See how Bloomspark can help.

Want insider info about why Flash Nightclub was raided & closed down (for the night), the story behind local police chiefs being replaced, funny takes on admining the notice board group, and other news that’s not in the Buzz? Join the Beehive.

Shop online & receive packages delivered to Bansko with GGBG. Regular journeys from the UK, Germany and the USA to Bulgaria. See website for info.

Travelling outside of your home country this year? 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

Creative Bansko Exhibition
The exhibition by Creative Bansko continues tomorrow (13th) and Tuesday (14th). Admission is free and there are lots of different types of displays from over twenty local artists. More info.

Zero to AI Bootcamp
Starting tomorrow (Monday, 13th) and running every night until Friday (7pm to 9pm), Bloom AI is hosting its second bootcamp for business owners and freelancers to learn about AI agents as beginners. More info.

Bansko Run Club(ish)
On Tuesday (14th), meeting at 6pm at Altspace central location on Gotse Delchev Street. Have a run with others around town, covering a distance of 5KM. Then to a local bar afterwards for some refreshments.

Altspace Friday Beers
Winter season over? No problem. Come hang out with nomads, visitors and locals at Altspace’s Friday beers event. Come as strangers, leave as friends. From 6pm to 8pm at their location on Gotse Delchev Street. (Non-members BYOB.)

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A monthly membership where Nick shares stories, information, and insights that aren’t shared publicly. You also see things weeks or months before they’re published (whether in the newsletter or in the group).

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Photo of the Week

The brightside of the moon.

Follow @banskobuzz on Instagram.

Before You Go…

Thinking about going to Bansko Nomad Fest this year? Grab your ticket before prices increase. (Use code BUZZ to get €25 OFF). Buy Your Ticket Now.