Bulgarian children from Pleven honored at International Arts Festival in Israel

Children from the Pleven-based “Colorit” art school received awards at the 2026 International Festival “ ” in Israel. In their drawings, they portrayed the beauty and charm of Bulgarian girls dressed in traditional national costumes and adorned with elaborate decorations on their heads and hair.

“The strong artistic expression, captivating use of color, and experimental techniques - including painting combined with collages made from lace, fabrics, wool, yarn, beads, and ornaments - impressed the festival’s international professional jury,” said the school’s director, Maya Ananieva.

The highest distinction, the “Super Grand Prix,” was awarded to 12-year-old Anton Krushkov. The “Grand Prix” went to Boris Bankovski (5), Svetoslava Lisheva (9), Anastasia Ilieva (13), and Lilia Yankova (15). Five children from the school received first prizes, another five received second prizes, and four of the young artists were awarded third prizes.

“The festival brings together children and young people who, through their works, send messages of peace, harmony, and beauty, building bridges between generations and peoples through the power of art,” Maya Ananieva added. She emphasized that over the years, the participation of the “Colorit” art school has consistently brought a strong artistic presence to the event, portraying in its paintings the most beautiful and striking aspects of Bulgarian identity and thus helping the world discover Bulgaria through children’s art.

The international festival “Bulgarian Soul in the Holy Land” is organized in Bat Yam by the “Seli” Art Salon, with the support of the Bulgarian Embassy in Israel, under the patronage of the city’s mayor Tzvika Brot and Deputy Mayor Eli Yariv, in cooperation with the “Dimcho Debelyanov” Society and with the support of the Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad.

Edited by Diana Tsankova