“Na Megdana na Drugata Bulgaria” gathering will take place in Munich May 15-17

For eleven years now, different cities across Europe have become temporary cultural harbors for Bulgarians from all corners of the world whose hearts continue to beat to the rhythm of Bulgaria’s rich folk traditions. Though living thousands of kilometers away from their homeland, members of the Bulgarian diaspora have preserved an unbroken bond with their roots, while folk dancing itself serves another vital purpose  fostering unity and sustaining a sense of community in an increasingly fast-paced world where human connections are often fleeting, functional, or altogether absent.

The rhythm and energy of Bulgarian folklore have the power to create a community

It is precisely for this reason that the creation of a special “travelling” folklore gathering proved such a visionary and successful initiative, launched by the Bulgarian dance formation “Ot Izvora” in France and its artistic director Anita Ekenova.

Anita Ekenova: Bulgaria is the homeland of my soul, France – the one in which I live

Thus, beginning in Lyon in 2015, the festival “Na Megdana na Drugata Bulgaria” (“On the Village Square of the Other Bulgaria”) swept across Montpellier, Gandia, Milan, La Nucia, Verna, Copenhagen, Prague, Palma de Mallorca, and once again Lyon, drawing ever-growing numbers of participants while enriching its programme with folklore workshops and a wide range of accompanying events dedicated to Bulgarian dance heritage.

Each edition carries its own motto, while every new host ensemble leaves an imprint of its identity upon the evolving spirit and cultural DNA of the gathering.

In 2026, the host will be ensemble “Lazarka” from Munich - Germany’s second-largest industrial city. The event will take place from May 15 to 17 under the motto: “Libe le, Libe Hubavo…” (“My Love, Beautiful Love…”).

A film tells the story of Munich-based Bulgarian ensemble ‘Lazarka’

A total of 111 dance groups and nine individual participants will compete and perform at the BMW Park arena, presenting their interpretations of Bulgaria’s rich musical and choreographic legacy before residents and visitors of the Bavarian capital. For the first time in the history of the forum, alongside ensembles from Europe and North America, the folklore group “Bulgarska Roza,” founded by Bulgarians in South Africa, will also take part.

One particularly intriguing highlight in the programme will be the opening ensemble - a Bavarian German folk troupe whose members also include Bulgarians. Distinguished guests from Bulgaria will likewise join the festivities, among them Ensemble “Varna” from Bulgaria’s Black Sea capital, folk singer Denislav Kehayov, a brass orchestra and majorette formation from Velingrad, as well as the celebrated “Chilovtsi Grandmothers” from the Ruse-region village of Chilovtsi.

The excitement among the hosts from Ensemble “Lazarka” in Munich is immense, as their director Plamen Petkov openly admits. The year 2026 is especially significant for the ensemble, which will celebrate the 35th anniversary of its founding.

“We have prepared the premiere of a new dance for our repertoire, entitled Sharena Gaida (‘The Colourful Bagpipe’), choreographed by Ivaylo Ivanov with music by Georgi Andreev. It was originally performed by the State Folklore Ensemble ‘Philip Koutev,’” Plamen Petkov explained in an interview for Radio Bulgaria. “It is a dance from the Pirin region of Bulgaria, connected to the theme of love through the two songs incorporated into it - love of freedom and love of music. Our second performance will be the dance Lazarki, one of the very first choreographies staged by our ensemble. We associate the lazarki tradition with love, springtime, and youth, making it perfectly aligned with this year’s festival motto.”

As part of Ensemble “Lazarka’s” presentation, audiences will also see an excerpt from a documentary dedicated to the ensemble’s history, directed by the young filmmaker Yoan Kadiev.

A special collaborative dance performance by Ensemble “Lazarka” and Ensemble “Varna” is likewise planned - both a tribute to their longstanding partnership through the years and a vivid demonstration of how Bulgarians at home and abroad can create something profoundly beautiful together. It should also be recalled that the founder of Munich’s Ensemble “Lazarka” was choreographer Belcho Stanev, longtime artistic director of Ensemble “Varna.”

Many Bulgarian folklore groups abroad do not maintain an active concert schedule, which makes “Na Megdana na Drugata Bulgaria” one of the most important stages upon which they are able to present their artistic work before a broader audience.

“The regulations of the gathering stipulate that participating groups must have been established outside Bulgaria,” Plamen Petkov further noted in his interview with Radio Bulgaria. “We know that when we appear on stage before local audiences in a given country, this may well be their very first encounter with Bulgaria. These Bulgarian ensembles become the first doorway through which foreigners glimpse our country - and they invariably leave captivated by Bulgarian folk dances, music, and traditional costumes.”

The most spectacular moment of the “Na Megdana na Drugata Bulgaria” festival remains the Great Horo dance, bringing together all participants in a grand communal celebration. This year it will unfold on Munich’s Max-Joseph-Platz on May 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon local time.

“Very often, Bulgaria is mentioned in Munich only when something negative happens or some catastrophe occurs. Through folklore, we want to present the country’s brighter and more beautiful face. I believe we will succeed - especially with the planned Great Horo, where many passers-by will encounter Bulgaria in an entirely different and inspiring light.”

Radio Bulgaria, too, will have the opportunity to immerse its friends and listeners in the vibrant atmosphere of the gathering. Our special correspondent on site will be Joan Kolev, so readers can look forward to photographs and in-depth coverage from the event throughout May 15-17.

Read also:

First festival of Bulgarian folklore ensembles abroad

Online catalogue of Bulgarian folk dances "sets off" on a European tour

Photos: sabornamegdana.com; Facebook /Anita Ekenova, Hristo Kozhuharov, Folklore Ensemble “Varna”, BTA, Facebook / Ensemble “Lazarka”

English version: R. Petkova