Why May 24 Matters So Much in Bulgaria

In this week’s Buzz:

• Local municipality encourages recycling. People get annoyed in the comments

• Celebrating May 24: education, the Bulgarian alphabet, culture, and Slavic literature

• Nomad Fest pre-festival meetup

• Looks like a Lidl supermarket could be coming to Bansko

• Regional bus times to/from Sofia/Bansko

• Reminder: water treatment in Bansko low zone this coming week

Bansko celebrates language, literacy, education, and culture

Today, Bansko celebrated May 24. This is Bulgaria’s national holiday honouring the Bulgarian alphabet, culture, education, Slavic literature, and the Holy Brothers Cyril & Methodius.

Language is an important aspect of our everyday lives, and Bulgarians have significant pride in their language, the Cyrillic alphabet, and literature. In his speech, the mayor of Bansko said, “Today is a celebration of children too — their thirst for knowledge, their curiosity about the world, their dreams and their courage to discover new horizons. Let them grow educated, confident and dignified people to protect the Bulgarian language, culture and traditions, but also to bravely move forward to the future.”

In the town square, students from local schools were given awards for achievements in education, science and cultural activities. Some teachers and officials were also recognised for their individual contributions.

Later, a concert featuring songs and dancing linked to Bulgarian literacy, education, and culture took place. See some photos here.

And there were also school graduates celebrating their departure from education and venturing out into the world with evening celebrations in town as well.

Get Your BNF Ticket Before Prices Increase

The Bansko Nomad Fest starts in less than a month’s time. Grab your ticket and attend the 7-day conference and all of the social experiences during the week with a silver ticket for €375 (€25 off when you use the code BUZZ at checkout). Prices increase at the end of the month.

Enjoy interesting conference sessions, networking events, community-led skill shares, and social events with fellow nomads & entrepreneurs at one of the most popular nomad events of the year!

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(Use the code BUZZ for €25 OFF)

Inside the Bansko Notice Board Group

✍️ 62 New Posts, 💬 287 Comments, 👍️ 1,189 Reactions

My Dog Was Attacked Near All Seasons Club
Katerina posted that her dog had been attacked in the St John area of town while out walking. The dog that attacked her dog was off-leash but out with its owner.

I’m Looking for a Local Physiotherapist With a Studio
Federica wants to find a local physiotherapist in Bansko. She had knee surgery recently and is looking for someone local. See who people suggested.

Lidl Supermarket Might Be Coming to Bansko
I (Nick) shared information about the municipal council considering a change of use for land in town so that a Lidl supermarket could be constructed. There were mixed views.

Where Will Bulgaria Host Next Year’s Eurovision?
Donna asked whether anyone knew where next year’s Eurovision would be held after Bulgaria won it last week. There were a lot of suggestions.

Bansko & Beyond

REMINDER: Water treatment this coming week in Bansko
The local water company will be cleaning the water system in Bansko’s low zone from Tuesday (26th) at 8am to Friday (29th) at 5pm. The water company says not to use the water during this period for “…activities such as drinking, cooking, washing dishes, bathing, personal hygiene, and other daily household activities”. The main thing is to not drink the water during this period. Read more.

Regional bus times to and from Sofia/Bansko
If you travel by bus to or from Sofia, it can be a little confusing to know which buses are running and when. I put together a handy guide with all of them, when they depart each day, and which websites are good for buying tickets. Read more.

Local municipality encourages recycling. Some people get annoyed
The Bansko Municipality is pushing its recycling agenda by posting on social media about recycling items in the collection bins (the blue, green, and yellow ones in town). Lots of people commented that they are mostly full on many occasions (which I’ve also experienced). It’ll be interesting to see if this improves. Read more.

Bansko celebrates day of Bulgarian sports
Earlier in the week, children and students came together to learn and participate in various sports for Bulgarian sports day. Students from different primary and secondary schools participated in football, basketball, and an agility course. Read more.

Other news stories
Here are a handful of other news stories you may find interesting:

• Eurovision 2027 to cost Bulgaria as much as 30 million Euros

• Mountaineer from Razlog conquers Mount Everest [Translation required]

• Parliament considers reinstating anti-corruption commission [Translation required]

• Bulgaria looking at “new mechanisms” to control food and fuel pricing [Translation required]

• Staffing shortage: delay in work visas could affect seaside resorts in Bulgaria

Summer Coworking at Altspace

Continue the great vibes and connections after Bansko Nomad Fest (and the Fringe Fest!) by joining a coworking community that offers the right work-life balance. Reserve your spot now, before they all fill up.

We’re not just a coworking space, we’re the best coworking community in Bansko: your crew, your consistency, and your mountain town plug-in.

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Events Next Week

Nomad Fest Pre-Festival Meetup
On Wednesday (27th) from 3pm to 8pm, Sweet House Honey (32 Pirin Street) is hosting a pre-festival meetup for Bansko Nomad Fest. Connect and get to know people before all of the madness begins. Freshly baked pastries and premium coffee. (The poster for the event also says free beer💪) More info.

Bendida Winery at DiVino
On Thursday (28th) at 7pm, join Bendida Winery at DiVino on Glazne Street to taste some Bulgarian wines from the Plovdiv region, crafted using gentle techniques in limited batches. Price is 15€ per person. More info.

Children’s Chess Tournament
On Saturday (30th), at Hotel Dobrinishte (in Dobrinishte), starting at 9.30am, there will be a chess tournament for children aged 12 and older. Registration required by 7pm on Friday (29th). More info.

Creative Workshop in Ether Razlog
On Saturday (30th), starting at 6pm, step into a world of creativity, imagination, and self-expression. Join Ether for an inspiring experience where you’ll create a unique collage using your own photo or one of a loved one. Price 20€. More info.

Saturday Board Game Nights
Every Saturday at the Treehouse Social Club on Zahari Stoyanov from 7pm, join other like-minded people who enjoy playing board games. Non-members’ price 5€. More info.

Mom, Dad & Me — Sports Family
On Sunday (31st) from 9.30am, there is a fitness event for families at the football stadium on Tsar Simeon Street. For families with children aged 3 to 12 years, there will be sports, games, a raffle, and a flash mob dance. Participation is free. More info.

Save The Date: Nomad Fringe Festival
On Wednesday 24th of June and Thursday 25th of June, the yearly Nomad Fringe Festival is at Altspace Coworking (Summit location). On both days, the event starts at 6.30pm. The event is free, and you don’t need to be a nomad to attend. I went last year, and some of the talks were really good. Worth going if you can. More info.

Save The Date: Summer Sports Day by BSD
The annual summer sports day by Bansko Street Dogs will take place on Saturday 25th of July. The details on timings and location are still being finalised, but it will probably be registration around 2/3pm on the ski road. Definitely a fun day for everyone!

Inside The Beehive🍯 

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

Evening sun amidst a thundery sky.

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