"What matters is the spirit of the programmes", Radio Bulgaria listeners write

May brought a stream of messages from Radio Bulgaria's friends around the world, many linked to the major holidays celebrated in Bulgaria during the month – St George's Day, Radio Day and 24 May, the Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the Bulgarian alphabet, education and culture.

"Happy St George's Day! We are with you, Bulgaria!" wrote Erlin Ago from Albania.

One of the most heartfelt messages came from longtime listener Bozhidar Tsvetanov from Pleven, who congratulated Bulgarian National Radio on Radio Day: "Radio remains a powerful source of information. It doesn't matter how programmes are distributed – what matters is the spirit in which they are presented. Even though Radio Bulgaria is now online, for us it remains a true radio station."

Bozhidar also shared a photograph of a radio receiver from his personal collection.

Listeners of our Albanian Service sent greetings for 24 May, Bulgaria's unique celebration of the alphabet, culture and education. "Happy holiday, my Bulgaria!" wrote Selvi Pupuleku Canga, while Remzije Zeneli simply wished: "Happy celebrations to everyone!"

Bulgaria's victory at Eurovision 2026 also generated enthusiastic reactions.

"Congratulations on the victory and best wishes to the Bulgarian people!" wrote Muhamet Shala from Kosovo.

Albanian translator and public figure Milena Selimi told us she had cast 20 votes from Albania and promised to attend Eurovision in Bulgaria next year.

From Russia, Alexander Golubev wrote: "I join the congratulations on DARA's Eurovision victory. I am already looking forward to next year's contest in your country. Thank you for the beautiful cards and the interesting programmes. Clear skies and 73!"

The international DX community remained active in May.

Bernd Seiser from Germany reported on the 45th interregional gathering of DX enthusiasts in the Murg Valley, which brought together radio listeners from across Germany as well as Belgium, the Netherlands and Taiwan.

"Friends of international radio reception from Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, Hesse, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Thuringia, Belgium, the Netherlands and Taiwan met for the 45th time in the Murg Valley," he wrote, thanking broadcasters and the media for supporting the event.

Many listeners wrote to us about Radio Bulgaria's QSL cards.

"Thank you for your always interesting programmes and for the beautiful QSL cards," wrote Helmut Matt from Germany. "The new series, The History of BNR, is exceptionally well done and fits perfectly with the book I am planning to write."

Anatoly Klepov of Russia-DX also thanked Radio Bulgaria for the commemorative card marking the 90th anniversary of Bulgarian Radio.

One of the most poetic reflections came from Mei Lin from China: "QSL cards are among the most unique artworks associated with the tradition of shortwave broadcasting. In an age before instant messaging, they connected people across mountains and seas. Even today they preserve a certain gentleness from a slower era."

Hiroshi Katayama from Japan praised the variety of Bulgarian music featured in Radio Bulgaria's programmes, and added: "I was surprised to learn that around three million Bulgarians live abroad. As someone from an island nation, that is difficult to imagine. Listening to your programmes continually teaches me new things about Bulgaria."

Muhammad Aqeel Bashir from Pakistan was deeply moved by the documentary Soul Beyond Measure: "It was inspiring to learn how people from different countries have devoted their lives to Bulgarian folklore. The film shows how culture can connect hearts across the world and demonstrates the global reach of Bulgaria's traditions."

Messages of appreciation also arrived from Ukraine, India, Argentina, France, Spain, Mexico and Sweden, reflecting Radio Bulgaria's diverse international audience.

"Whatever happens," wrote Jean-Michel Aubier from France, "Radio Bulgaria will always remain very interesting to listen to."


Editor: Elena Karkalanova