Liberation Day: 147 Years of Bulgarian Freedom

In this week’s Buzz:

• Watch out for Bansko taxis: I keep getting ripped off with high fares

• Bulgaria celebrates Liberation from Ottoman Empire on March 3rd

• Police officer injured in group brawl between Bulgarians and Romanians

• Bulgarian Parliament takes steps to ban vaping in the country

• An event for anyone this week, as we see many different ones to attend

Liberation Day Sees Country Celebrate
147 Years of Freedom from Ottoman Rule

On the 3rd of March 2025, Bulgaria celebrates 147 years since being liberated from Ottoman rule in 1878.

On this day, Bulgarians celebrate their freedom and sovereignty and remember the sacrifices of those who fought for independence.

Celebrations typically include parades, concerts, and other festive events. The Bulgarian flag is flown throughout the country, and people often wear traditional Bulgarian clothing.

Liberation Day is a time for Bulgarians to unite and celebrate their shared history and culture. It’s also a day to reflect on the importance of freedom and democracy.

One local celebration that has become a tradition since 2016 is a trip on the narrow gauge train at 8.55am from Dobrnishte to Yakoruda (on Monday). This arrives around 12 noon and gets you there in time for a parade honouring Liberation Day. The train then returns at 3.50pm, which gives you enough time to grab some lunch.

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Inside the Bansko Notice Board Group

✍️ 142 New Posts, 💬 514 Comments, 👍️ 1,674 Reactions

Sometimes, People Pick Up The Wrong Skis
Kyle posted that his brother-in-law had picked up the wrong rental skis when heading back down the mountain. While there has been an increased number of instances of equipment going “missing” this season, some look like they’re being taken by mistake.

A Multi-Day Ski Pass or Buy Single Days?
Magda is coming to Bansko for five days to ski and wanted to ask people if she should buy a multi-day pass or top-up each morning, ready for the day. A few people had some suggestions.

Watch Out For Taxi Drivers in Bansko: I Keep Getting Ripped Off
Tibor wanted to share with everyone to be careful of the taxis in Bansko (even if your hotel calls them) because they overcharge. I guess he didn’t know about Taxistars and the local taxi dispatch numbers.

This Guy Picked Up a Chair and Smashed a TV
Kris posted a CCTV image capture of a guy who’d supposedly picked up a chair and smashed it at a TV at Pizza 365 (near the gondola and Kempniski). He wanted help finding him.

Where Can I Get a TV Repaired in Bansko?
Marika wants to take her smart TV to be repaired by someone in Bansko and was looking for suggestions. See what people had to say.

Local/Municipality News

Nine Medals For Bansko Taekwondo Club
Recently, Hawk Taekwondo Club from Bansko participated in the European Kickboxing Cup in Plovdiv. They won 4 gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze medals. Their next competition will be in Tallinn. More info.

Baba Marta Celebrations
As mentioned in last week’s email, Baba Marta took place yesterday (March 1st) to celebrate the start of the end of winter. A tradition that has been practiced in many Balkan countries for years, the children of Bansko took part in decorating the large tree in the town square on Friday. More info.

Municipality Recognises Young People Setting a Good Example
The local municipality recognised students this week for setting a good example to others. A committee decided on the awards and chose students who “…demonstrated responsibility and mutual help, and with their enthusiasm in learning and good behavior, have been a role model for their classmates and friends.” More info.

Police Officer Injured During Fight Between Bulgarians and Romanians
Around 3am on Thursday, 27th of February, a fight broke out between a group of Bulgarians and a group of Romanians in Bansko. The incident occurred on Naiden Gerov Street (the ring road that runs from BRT right across to Smokey Mountain). It resulted in a police officer being hospitalised with a broken nose. More info [translation required].

Bulgaria Takes Steps To Ban Vaping
The Bulgarian Parliament has passed the first stage of a bill to ban the sale, distribution and advertising of all vaping products in the country. It’s a good step, but it’d be even better if food establishments stopped individuals vaping and using iqos inside venues as is currently the law. More info.

Recommended Businesses

Shared airport transfers from Sofia to Bansko with Traventuria. Get to Bansko quickly and in style during the winter season. Always on time. Check availability.

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.

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Events Next Week

Spa & Coworking Day at Pulse Therme
On Wednesday, 5th of March, coworkers will settle into Pulse Therme in Banya for a day of coworking at the spa. If you’d like to attend, you’ll need to book a ticket and potentially organise your own transport. It also looks like this will be a regular two-weekly event until the end of April. More info.

Best in Bansko Bongo Bingo Event at The Hub
On Friday (7th) at 7pm, Dylan from Best in Bansko is putting on a Bongo Bingo event at The Hub. If you’re interested in playing Bongo Bingo, dancing on tables, celebrating when your team wins, and having an all-round great night, message Dylan to book your place. 20BGN deposit is required and this event is expected to sell out.

Women’s Day Party: Red & Wild
The day before International Women’s Day, on Friday 7th at 8pm, Sky High Terrace will have a party in celebration. The entry fee is 10BGN and includes a free drink and great music. The theme for the night is RED.

Apres Ski Pop-Up Party
On Saturday 8th of March, Amuse Bouche by Skabrin will host an apres ski party at their place on Krystio Asenov Street (over towards FLC). It starts at 12noon and continues until 8pm. More info.

Brunch Get Together on Sunday
On Sunday 9th of March at 10am, Vezyuva House is organising a brunch event at their place on Pirin Street (just up from Pirin 75). Paying the 20BGN entry fee will get you a drink, brunch, and hopefully some great connections and conversations. (This is most likely a nomad-focused event seen as the venue hosts digital nomads in the summertime.) More info.

Bansko Street Dogs Pub Quiz
On Monday the 10th, Bansko Street Dogs hosts their next pub quiz at a venue TBC. Want to join a team or register your own? Message BSD’s Facebook page here.

Regular Weekly Events This Week
Tuesday: Art & Wine at Altspace 6.30pm; Bottomless Wings night at Smokey Mountain 6.30pm
Thursday: Pool Tournament at Smokey Mountain from 6pm
Friday: Beers at Altspace Central from 5.30pm
Sunday: Sunday walk meeting at the gondola: see the BNB group for details.
All require pre-booking, apart from the Friday & Sunday events. 

Bansko Vibe Event for Bansko Street Dogs
On Wednesday 12th of March, Bansko Vibe is putting on a 70s, 80s & 90s event at Contrabar to raise some funds for Bansko Street Dogs. It starts at 7pm and Contrabar will be donating 10% of revenue from the night. More info.

Bansko Vibe Festival Events Schedule
The Bansko Vibe Festival will run from 8th to 15th of March. There is no information on their website about whether tickets are available, how to get them, or the type of music at each event apart from the one above, but here is the current info about when the events will take place:
Saturday 8th: The Hub, from 4pm
Wednesday 12th: Contrabar, from 7pm (details above)
Thursday 13th: Contrabar, from 8pm
Friday 14th: Contrabar, from 11pm
Saturday 15th: Contrabar, from11pm.

Photo of the Week

Queen of The Mountains: Todorka.

Tag @banskobuzz to get your photo in the Buzz.