Other Bulgaria

For immigrants in Bulgaria, there are plenty of sources for local news available in both Bulgarian and foreign languages. This allows them to stay informed about current events and eases integration into society.

News resources in Bulgarian language

Bulgarian National Radio: provides fresh news and analytical materials. Available on the official website and through mobile apps.

Bulgarian Telegraph Agency: a national information agency publishing news about politics, economy, and culture.

News resources in English

The Sofia Globe: an independent publication covering events in Bulgaria and the region.

Novinite.com: provides news about Bulgaria, the EU, and the world.

Al Jazeera: covers events in Bulgaria and the world.

NewsNow: a news aggregator collecting materials about Bulgaria from various sources.

News resources in Russian

Russian Bulgaria: a news portal publishing current events in Bulgaria in Russian.

Other languages

Euronews: an international news channel covering events in Bulgaria and the world in German, French, Italian languages.

Additionally, international news agencies such as BBC, CNN, and Deutsche Welle periodically publish materials about Bulgaria in various languages including German, French, Spanish, and Italian.

Social media and mobile apps

Many of the listed publications have social media pages and mobile apps, which allow getting news in a convenient format and staying informed in real-time.

Using these resources will help immigrants stay informed about happenings in Bulgaria and facilitate adaptation in a new country.

Bulgaria is a country with a rich history and culture, but like many other countries, it is surrounded by certain stereotypes. Let's look at the most common ones and see how true they are.

Bulgaria is a poor and backward country

The stereotype about Bulgaria's poverty originated from its socialist past and the economic difficulties during the transition to a market economy. However, since joining the European Union in 2007, the country has made significant progress in economic development. Today, the sectors of information technology, tourism, and agriculture are actively developing in Bulgaria.

High crime and corruption levels

While corruption remains an issue, the government is making efforts to eradicate it. Regarding crime, the level is relatively low and corresponds to the European average. Tourists and immigrants usually feel safe in the country.

Bulgaria is only beaches and cheap tourism

Bulgaria is known for its Black Sea resorts, but the country offers much more. There are ski resorts, historic cities like Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo, and a rich cultural heritage, including numerous festivals and traditions.

The Bulgarian language and culture are similar to Russian

Although Bulgarian and Russian languages belong to the Slavic group, they differ significantly. Bulgaria has its own unique culture, traditions, and customs, which have been shaped by various civilizations, including Thracians, Romans, and Ottomans.

All Bulgarians drink rakia and eat yogurt

Rakia and yogurt are important elements of Bulgarian cuisine, but to assume they form the diet's core for every resident is incorrect. Bulgarian cuisine is diverse and includes numerous meat, vegetable, and seafood dishes.

Bulgarians nod their heads in reverse

In Bulgaria, there are indeed peculiarities in gestures of agreement and disagreement: a nod can mean "no," and a shake can mean "yes." This may cause misunderstandings, but most Bulgarians are aware of this difference and try to consider it when communicating with foreigners.

Bulgaria is a country without prospects for youth

Many young Bulgarians indeed moved abroad in search of better opportunities. However, in recent years, the situation has been changing: new industries are developing, startups are emerging, and the government is implementing programs to support the youth.

Underdeveloped infrastructure

While Bulgaria is still working on improving infrastructure, the country has modern roads, airports, and public transport, especially in major cities and tourist areas.

Thus, stereotypes are often based on outdated or incomplete information. Bulgaria is a modern country with a rich culture, history, and a growing economy. To form an objective opinion, it is better to personally get acquainted with the country and its people.

Transport and Navigation

Moovit: Provides information on public transport routes and schedules in major Bulgarian cities such as Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna.

TaxiMe: Allows you to call a taxi in Sofia through the app, offering fixed prices and reliable service.

Spark: An electric car rental service available in Sofia and Plovdiv, with the option of free parking in the city center.

Language Support

Learn Bulgarian: An app for learning the Bulgarian language with exercises in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

Finance and Banking Services

Revolut: Convenient for managing finances in different currencies, especially for those who travel frequently or make international transfers.

My Fibank: If you have an account with First Investment Bank, this app allows you to manage accounts, make payments, and track expenses.

Food and Grocery Delivery

Takeaway.com: Operates in major Bulgarian cities, allowing you to order food from various restaurants for home delivery.

Glovo: Offers delivery of almost any items in major cities, which is especially useful for new residents.

eBag.bg: One of the leading online grocery delivery services in Bulgaria, offering a wide range of products.

Entertainment and Media

Vbox7: A Bulgarian video platform offering a variety of content, including local shows and videos.

Guides and Tourism

Audio Guide Bulgaria: A free audio guide to Bulgaria in Bulgarian, English, and Russian, providing information on attractions, restaurants, and other interesting places.

iLoveBulgaria: An interactive platform providing information on major tourist attractions in Bulgaria and special offers from local businesses.

Installing these apps will help you adapt more quickly to life in Bulgaria and make everyday tasks more convenient.

Festivals and Cultural Events

Apollonia Art Festival: Held annually in Sozopol at the end of August to early September, bringing together music, theater, cinema, and visual arts.

IN THE PALACE International Short Film Festival: Takes place in Varna at the end of June to early July, showcasing works by young filmmakers from around the world.

National Folklore Festival in Rozhen: The largest folklore festival, gathering performers from all over the country to showcase traditional music and dances.

SURVA International Festival of Masquerade Games: Held in Pernik at the end of January, where participants in traditional costumes and masks perform ritual dances to ward off evil spirits.

Music and Theatrical Events

National Palace of Culture in Sofia: The largest cultural center hosting concerts, exhibitions, theatrical performances, and film festivals.

March Music Days: An annual classical music festival in Ruse, attracting world-class performers.

Sports Events and Outdoor Activities

Ski Resorts: Bansko, Borovets, and Pamporovo offer excellent conditions for winter sports.

Hiking Trails: The Rila, Pirin, and Rhodope Mountains offer picturesque trails for hiking and trekking.

Water Sports: The Black Sea coast offers opportunities for surfing, diving, and sailing.

Historical and Cultural Landmarks

Old Town Nessebar: A UNESCO World Heritage site with unique architecture and ancient churches.

Rila Monastery: The largest and most famous Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria, founded in the 10th century.

Plovdiv Old Town: A blend of Roman ruins, Ottoman and Bulgarian architecture, including an ancient amphitheater.

Culinary Festivals and Gastronomic Tours

Rose Festival in Kazanlak: A celebration dedicated to the harvest of roses and production of rose oil, accompanied by parades and tastings.

Wine Festival in Melnik: An annual event where you can sample the best Bulgarian wines and learn about the wine-making traditions of the region.

Visiting these events and attractions will allow for a deeper understanding of Bulgarian culture and traditions and offer a varied leisure experience in this hospitable country.

In Bulgaria, public restrooms are available in places with high foot traffic, such as railway and bus stations, large shopping centers, and museums. However, their number may be limited, especially in smaller settlements.

Features of using public restrooms in Bulgaria

Payment: Most public restrooms charge a fee, usually ranging from 0.20 to 0.50 leva. It is recommended to have small coins for payment.

Cleanliness and maintenance: The quality of maintenance can vary. Government restrooms are often less cared for, whereas private ones are generally kept in a cleaner condition.

Availability in dining establishments: Toilets in cafes and restaurants are intended for patrons. If you are not a customer, access to the restroom might be restricted or require a small purchase, such as a cup of coffee.

Recommendations for immigrants and tourists

Alternative options: In the absence of public restrooms, consider using the facilities in shopping centers, large stores, or gas stations.

Hygiene: Always carry wet wipes or hand sanitizer, as not all restrooms may have soap or paper towels.

Language schools and courses

Offer individual Bulgarian language courses for all age groups, from beginner level (A1) to expert level (C2).

Online resources and applications

Lingohut: Free Bulgarian lessons, including 125 lessons with native speakers.

Loecsen: Free online Bulgarian courses with audio materials and interactive exercises.

Ling App: An app for learning Bulgarian with over 200 short lessons, available for free use.

Conversational clubs and language exchanges

Online school "Speak Bulgarian": Offers modern and effective lessons and conversational clubs for all levels — from scratch to B2.

Immersion in the language environment

Watching local media: Regularly watching Bulgarian news, series, and films will help improve language comprehension and cultural acquaintance.

Communicating with native speakers: Participating in local events, visiting cafes, and markets provide opportunities to practice the language in real situations.

The choice of the appropriate method depends on your preferences, goals, and available time. A combination of several approaches, such as attending courses, using online resources, and actively communicating with native speakers, will ensure the most effective mastery of the Bulgarian language.

Major national holidays in Bulgaria

January 1 — New Year: The celebration is accompanied by the tradition "Survaki" — children visit homes with decorated branches, wishing health and well-being, for which they receive treats.

March 3 — Liberation Day of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule: A national holiday marking the country's liberation in 1878. This day is observed with ceremonial events and wreath-laying at monuments.

May 1 — Labor Day: As in many countries, International Workers' Solidarity Day is celebrated in Bulgaria. Rallies, concerts, and other public events are held.

May 6 — Saint George's Day: A holiday dedicated to Saint George, who is considered the patron of farmers and herders. On this day, traditional lamb dishes are prepared, and festivities are held.

May 24 — Day of Bulgarian Education, Culture, and Slavic Literacy: A holiday in honor of Saints Cyril and Methodius, creators of the Slavic alphabet. Parades, concerts, and other cultural events are held.

September 6 — Unification Day of Bulgaria: Celebrates the unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia in 1885. This day is marked with ceremonial events and festive activities.

September 22 — Independence Day of Bulgaria: A celebration dedicated to the proclamation of the country's independence in 1908. It is observed with parades, concerts, and other ceremonial occasions.

December 24 — Christmas Eve: A family holiday preceding Christmas. Traditionally, a meatless dinner is prepared with an odd number of dishes, and hay is placed under the tablecloth in memory of Christ's birth.

December 25 — Christmas Day: Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. The holiday is accompanied by family gatherings, the exchange of gifts, and church visits.

Traditional customs and holidays

March 1 — Baba Marta: On this day, Bulgarians give each other "martenitsi" — decorations made of white and red yarns, symbolizing health and longevity. Martenitsi are worn until the first stork appears or trees begin to blossom, after which they are hung on branches.

Kukeri: A traditional ritual held between Christmas and Great Lent. Men wear masks and costumes representing animals and perform dances to drive away evil spirits and ensure fertility.

Lazarovden: Celebrated on the Saturday before Palm Sunday. Young girls, dressed in national costumes, sing songs and dance, wishing health and prosperity to the homeowners.

Nestinarstvo: An ancient ritual of fire-walking preserved in some villages of Strandzha. It is held on St. Constantine and Helena's Day (May 21) and involves music and dancing.

These holidays and traditions are an integral part of Bulgarian culture, reflecting its rich history and uniqueness. Participating in them allows one to gain a deeper understanding of the Bulgarian people's spirit and values.

Below are key attractions recommended for a visit:

Rila Monastery: Founded in the 10th century, this largest Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is known for its unique architecture and valuable icons.

Old Town of Nessebar: Situated on a small peninsula, Nessebar is famous for its ancient churches and narrow streets. The town is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Old Town in Plovdiv: Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Its old town is known for its Renaissance houses and ancient Roman amphitheater.

Tsarevets Fortress: Located in Veliko Tarnovo, this medieval fortress was the residence of Bulgarian tsars. It offers a panoramic view of the city from its top.

Aladzha Monastery: A cave monastery near Varna carved into limestone cliffs. It represents a unique monument of medieval architecture.

Rose Valley: Located near Kazanlak, this valley is renowned for its rose plantations. The Rose Festival is held here annually in June.

Cape Kaliakra: A picturesque cape on Bulgaria's northern Black Sea coast with steep cliffs and ancient fortress ruins. It offers breathtaking views of the sea.

Devetashka Cave: One of the largest caves in Bulgaria, known for its vast halls and natural formations. The cave is also home to many species of bats.

Seven Rila Lakes: A group of seven glacial lakes located in the Rila Mountains. It's a popular spot for hiking and enjoying nature.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: One of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world, located in the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia. The cathedral impresses with its architecture and interior decoration.

Visiting these landmarks allows a deeper understanding of Bulgaria's rich history and culture, as well as the enjoyment of its natural beauty.

Moving to a new country is not just about changing surroundings but also about getting acquainted with a new culture and traditions. Bulgaria, with its rich history and unique customs, offers many interesting features that are important to consider for comfortable adaptation.

Greetings and gestures

Nodding and head shaking: One of the most famous features is the reverse meaning of the gestures for "yes" and "no." In Bulgaria, a nod means "no," and head shaking means "yes." This can cause confusion, so it's important to pay attention to verbal responses as well.

Handshakes: During meetings, a firm handshake with direct eye contact is customary. Close friends may exchange kisses on the cheek.

Addressing and communication

Formalities: Use titles and surnames when addressing people, especially in a business environment. Transitioning to first names occurs by mutual agreement.

Straightforwardness: Bulgarians value honesty and openness, so they may express their opinions directly.

Language: Knowing at least basic phrases in Bulgarian will be highly appreciated and will help establish friendly relationships.

Hospitality and Visits

Invitation to visit: If you are invited to a home, it is considered a sign of special favor. It's customary to bring a small gift: flowers, sweets, or drinks.

Flowers: Give an odd number of flowers, as an even number is associated with mourning events.

Shoes: Shoes are usually taken off in the house; hosts may offer slippers.

Table Manners

Beginning of the meal: Wait for the host to invite everyone to the table and start eating first.

Toasts: Traditionally, toasts are made at the table. The word "Nazdrave!" is often used, which means "To health!"

Hand position: During the meal, keep your hands visible, not hidden under the table.

Punctuality and Time

Meetings: Punctuality is valued in business relationships. In informal settings, a slight delay is acceptable, but it's better to inform about it.

Working hours: A regular working day lasts from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a lunch break.

Clothing and Appearance

Business style: In a business environment, classic style clothing is preferred. Men wear suits, women - elegant outfits.

Casual style: In everyday life, Bulgarians dress fashionably and tastefully, especially in cities.

Public Behavior

Personal space: Bulgarians may stand closer during a conversation than is customary in some other cultures.

Smoking: Despite the prevalence of smoking, there is a ban in public places. Pay attention to designated smoking areas.

Queues: Observing queue order is important and expected from everyone.

Tips and Payment

Restaurants and cafes: It is customary to leave a tip of around 10% of the bill if the service is not included.

Taxis: Rounding up the amount is appropriate.

Cultural Features

Holidays: Respect and show interest in local holidays, such as Baba Marta, when marteniци are given - red and white decorations for good luck.

Religion: The majority of the population practices Orthodoxy. Respect for religious traditions and places of worship is encouraged.

Useful Tips

Politeness: Use the words "моля" (please) and "благодаря" (thank you) - this will create a positive impression.

Driving: Be cautious on the roads; driving style may differ from what you're used to.

Ecology: Waste recycling and care for the environment are becoming increasingly important topics in society.

Understanding and respecting local customs and norms of behavior will help you not only avoid awkward situations but also quickly become a part of Bulgarian society. Bulgarians value sincerity and openness, so don't hesitate to ask questions and show interest in their culture.

Administrative-Territorial Division

Bulgaria is divided into 28 regions, each named after its administrative center. Regions, in turn, are subdivided into 265 municipalities. Municipalities are the main units of local government and play a central role in local management.

Local Government Bodies

Each municipality has the following main governing bodies:

Municipal Council: a representative body whose members are elected by the municipality's population for a four-year term. The council is responsible for adopting local regulations, approving the budget, and overseeing the activities of the local administration.

Mayor (Kmet): the head of the municipality, elected directly by the residents for a four-year term. The mayor is responsible for implementing the decisions of the municipal council, managing municipal property, and representing the municipality in relations with other authorities.

Interaction with Central Authority

Despite a significant degree of autonomy, municipalities closely interact with central authorities. Regional governors are appointed by the Council of Ministers and represent the central government at the regional level. They coordinate the activities of state institutions and ensure the enforcement of laws in the region's territory.

Financing Local Government

Financing of municipalities is carried out through local taxes and fees, as well as subsidies from the state budget. This allows them to provide public services and develop infrastructure at the local level.