One Simple Act Could Save a Life

Issue #78

In this week’s Buzz:

  • I received some crazy bills from the municipality, anyone else?

  • Bansko Ski Patrol throw tourists’ skis on a slope and get into an argument

  • History made in Bansko as two Bulgarians on the podium at the World Cup

  • Supper Club at Five M on Wednesday (raising money for Bansko Street Dogs)

  • World Snow Day celebrations next Sunday (25th) in Bansko with discounted tickets for children

  • Tracking the air quality in different parts of Bansko: is it really that bad?

  • Bulgaria to have more parliamentary elections as all main political parties refuse mandate to form a government

Razlog Hospital teams up with Blagoevgrad Blood Center by hosting a community blood donation day

Want to help save a life? Donate blood.

In about 10 days (Wednesday 28th), Razlog Hospital is organising a blood donation day in collaboration with the Blagoevgrad Blood Centre. Anyone aged 18 to 65 who hasn’t taken any medication in the 48 hours preceding the donation is eligible to donate.

This type of campaign isn’t as common as in other countries, and when I looked into donating blood last year, it wasn’t easy to do in my local area.

While it isn’t mentioned in the published information, I would suspect that individuals wanting to donate should be residents of the local area and will need to produce some form of Bulgarian government ID to confirm this.

If you want to donate, you can learn more here. You may even help to save a life with your donated blood.

Five Course Michelin-Style Dinner
at The Chef’s House

We are proud to present the return of multi-award-winning chef Steve Vella to The Chef’s House for an unforgettable culinary experience. This time, we’re elevating the experience with Aleks Popov and his mesmerising saxophone performance.

Experience the perfect combination of flavours with this 5-course dinner:
1. “Fake” Caprese Salad (burrata, tomato, edible soil)
2. Steamed Bun (with truffle braised beef cheeks)
3. Cacio e Pepe Risotto (with snails & crispy kale)
4. Chef’s Beef Fillet (with serrano ham, chicken mousse, garden herbs & crushed potatoes)
5. Home-made Pumpkin Cheesecake

The perfect harmony of fine dining and live music: only €75 per person (includes a bottle of Logodaj wine per 2 persons).

Inside the Bansko Notice Board Group

✍️ 197 New Posts, 💬 953 Comments, 👍️ 3,863 Reactions

Tracking The Air Quality in Bansko
Preslav posted photos and a write-up about how he’s tracking different harmful particles in the air in Bansko and plans to set up additional sensors in town to monitor air quality.

Anyone Else Receiving Crazy Bills from The Municipality?
Alan shared that he’s received invoices for previous years’ property fees from the local municipality for a few cents here and there. It looks like others have experienced the same.

How Available Are Items for People With Intolerances?
Paul is coming to Bansko with his family and wonders how readily available non-regular milk is there, as his granddaughter is lactose intolerant.

How Late Can I Go Skiing in Bansko?
Nassos is thinking about coming to ski in Bansko in March/April and wants to know what the ski conditions will be like. See what people had to say.

I’m Looking for a Natural Birthing Midwife
Jutta posted that her and her partner are expecting their second baby in May this year and wondered if anyone knew a natural-birthing midwife. See who people suggested.

Bansko & Beyond

History Was Made in Bansko This Weekend
For the first time in history, two Bulgarians stood on the podium of the FIS Alpine World Cup in Bansko. Tervel Zamfirow won the parallel giant slalom, and Radoslav Yankov came third. Read more.

Ski Patrol in Bansko Get into an Argument
A video was shared to the Facebook group that shows the ski patrol in Bansko getting into a bit of an argument with some tourists on the slopes. (Video was posted by Struma News.) Watch the video.

Bulgaria to Host at Least Next Six Years of Ski Alpine World Cup
The International Ski and Snowboarding Federation (FIS) has confirmed that Bulgaria will host the Alpine World Cup for at least the next 6 years. Read more.

Close to 60% of Leva Out of Circulation Says Central Bank
The Bulgarian Central Bank has announced that close to 60% of all Leva has been removed from circulation, while more than 4.5 billion Euros have entered circulation in Bulgaria. Read more.

Team Yulen Show Impressive Performance in Italy
The Yulen ski team competed in Cortina, Italy, this week alongside over 200 competitors. Several team members had top-place finishes. Read more.

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Events Next Week

When The Alps Meets Bansko Themed Buffet
On Monday (19th) from 7pm to 10pm, the Gallery Restaurant at the Kempinski Hotel is hosting a themed buffet based on dishes served in the Alps. Price is 46€ (half price for children aged 6 to 12). More info.

Embrace Your Inner Self: Therapy Cards (Razlog)
Harmoniya is running a therapy cards session in Razlog on Tuesday (20th) at 7pm. This event should help you uncover the answers that are already inside you. Price is 17,90€. More info.

Poker Night at The Hub
On Tuesday (20th), The Hub is hosting a poker night. Starts at 8pm, so best to get there before if you want to play. If you want to take part, message Caroline as spaces are limited.

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.

Supper Club at Five M
On Wednesday (21st) from 7pm, Carole is hosting this week’s supper club, where people come together for dinner and conversations (donation of 5€ to support the local Bansko Street Dogs charity). 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.

Painting & Wine at The Kempinski Hotel
On Saturday (24th), starting at 6pm, Omaya Studio will have their painting and wine workshop at the Kempinski Hotel. Price is 31€. More info.

World Snow Day Celebrations
Celebrating World Snow day a week later due to the Bansko World Cup being on today, the ski resort operator is discounting tickets for children under 12 to 0.60€ next Sunday (25th). More info.

Crocheting Workshop (Razlog)
Harmoniya is running a crocheting workshop in Razlog on Sunday (25th) at 11.30am. This is a weekly event with the plan to make a key chain, a hand bag, coffee coasters, and more. Price is 7,70€. More info.

Regular Weekly Events

Here is a list of the regular events that will be happening every week throughout the winter season:

- Pub Quiz: Monday from 7pm at different venues (Bansko Street Dogs).
- Bansko Run Club(ish): Tuesday at 6.30pm meet at Altspace Coworking (Central).
- Latin Dance Night: Tuesday from 7pm at Four Leaf Clover.
- Pool Tournament: Thursday from 6.30pm at Smokey Mountain.
- Bingo: Thursday from 7pm at The Hub.
- Friday Beers: Friday 6pm to 8pm at Altspace Coworking (Central) [BYOB].
- Latin Dance Night: Friday from 7pm at DiVino.
- Karaoke: Friday from 8pm at Tipsy 360.
- BSD Saturday Sale: Saturday 10am to 2pm at Bansko Street Dogs shelter.
- Sunday Walk: Sunday from 11am, meeting at the gondola.

Photo of the Week

Banderishka Polyana during the Snowboarding World Cup.

Photo by Bansko Municipality

Follow @banskobuzz on Instagram.

The country will hold more parliamentary elections this year.

This week, it was confirmed that Bulgaria will hold new parliamentary elections in Sofia after President Roumen Radev failed to persuade any of the main political parties to form a government.

I’ve been speaking to a few Bulgarians across the country and they’re a little tired with how things are playing out: they don’t really want to go back to the polls and vote again for their chosen party, and many seem tired that things can’t just get sorted in the country.

Bulgaria held seven parliamentary elections over four years, after consistently failing to form a stable government.

Read more about the story here.

I know this won’t affect most people who read this newsletter (other than alcohol restrictions in some places in Bansko on election day), but it’s worth keeping in mind when it’s mentioned over the coming weeks.


Nick Sanders
Publisher, Bansko Buzz