Bulgaria's Bankya celebrates mineral water, health and longevity

The traditional Mineral Water, Health and Longevity Festival, "Goreshlyatsi 2026," will take place from 15 to 19 July in Bankya, a district of Sofia renowned for its mineral springs. The event is supported financially by the Sofia Municipality through its Cultural Events Calendar.

The celebrations begin on the feast day of Sts. Cyricus and Julitta Church, with a Patriarchal Divine Liturgy, followed by the traditional blessing of the water and a communal kurban meal for health in the church courtyard. Later in the day, local historian Viktor Topalov will open the exhibition "Bohemian Bankya" in Chestnut Park, exploring the glamour, prestige and elegance of royal Bankya before 1944.

The opening day will conclude with the "Stars of Bankya" concert in Rotunda Park, featuring popular Bulgarian performers Riton, the Argirov Brothers, Maya Neshkova, Poli Paskova, K.LINA, and a number of promising young artists.

The festival programme continues throughout the week with a meeting between the mayor and local centenarians and other long-lived residents, football and basketball tournaments, a vintage car parade, a market showcasing local producers, an open-air art symposium, and numerous concerts.