''Vitosha Run 2025'' and a tourist gathering mark 130 years of organized tourism in Bulgaria

Following in the footsteps of Aleko Konstantinov and his legendary trek to Mount Cherni Vrah – this is how hundreds of mountain enthusiasts will celebrate 130 years of organized tourism in Bulgaria. The anniversary events began with a ceremonial program at the Central Military Club in Sofia on August 27 and will continue until the end of the month with commemorative ceremonies, sports events and concerts.

On August 30, wreaths were laid near the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, followed by a festive parade led by a brass band and a majorette troupe marching down Vitosha Boulevard to the monument of Aleko Konstantinov – ''The Happy Man''. The evening ended with a large concert in front of the National Palace of Culture featuring Desi Dobreva and the rock band Diana Express.

The celebration will culminate on Sunday, August 31. At dawn, the traditional hikes will begin from village of Zheleznitsa, the ''Golden Bridges'' and Aleko Hut. At 9:00 a.m., the mountain running event ''Vitosha Run 2025'' will start from the National Palace of Culture. The runners are expected to reach the finish line around noon at Mount Cherni Vrah, where the National Tourist Gathering will be officially opened.

The Sofia Library's mobile library, the ''LiraryBus'', will be stationed near Aleko Hut. The award ceremony for the race winners will take place at 1:00 p.m., followed by performances by tourist choirs and a rich artistic program.
Edited by Veneta Nikolova