Next year's Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted by Burgas, a Black Sea port city of 200,000 people, rather than the capital Sofia, a decision that has surprised many Bulgarians, including the contest's winner, Dara.
Surprise Choice for Host City
Following Dara's victory in May, Bulgaria's four largest cities – Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas – submitted bids, with Sofia and Burgas emerging as finalists. The announcement last week that Burgas was chosen came as a shock to many, as Sofia was widely considered the obvious pick due to its status as the capital and international hub.
“I am really surprised,” singer Dara told the Guardian. “I think that BNT [Bulgarian National Television] will do a great job at producing the whole show. I trust them completely. If they decided Burgas, then probably Burgas is better.”
Mixed Reactions Across the Country
Many residents expressed surprise and disappointment. “We were surprised, because Sofia has the biggest arena,” said Pavel Stefanov, 29, an air traffic controller at Sofia airport. Milena Ouzounova, 54, a designer from Sofia, said: “I’m disappointed. I think Sofia is a better place, it is bigger, we have a big arena. Burgas is a nice place but I am not sure it could be prepared enough after one year. I think the space is much smaller in Burgas.”
However, some are relieved. Katrin Ninova, 20, a data science student at Sofia University, said: “It’s crowded enough here. We don’t need to organise Eurovision.”
Burgas Ready to Host
Burgas, located about 400km east of Sofia and closer to Istanbul, boasts a strong tourism industry and is home to Bulgaria's second largest port and the largest oil refinery in southern Europe. Preparations are underway at Arena Burgas, a 15,000-capacity concert hall completed in 2023, which will host the grand final. The city's airport has said it is ready for increased passenger flow.
Events will also take place in the city centre and the Sea Garden, the largest public park facing the Black Sea. Burgas is not the smallest city to host Eurovision; Harrogate, which hosted in 1982, was considerably smaller.
The final will be held on 15 May, with semi-finals on 11 and 13 May. Canada will participate for the first time, and new rules include raising the minimum participation age from 16 to 18 and potentially barring countries involved in armed conflicts from hosting.
Officials and Locals Express Support
Dimitar Nikolov, mayor of Burgas, thanked BNT and the EBU “for the unique chance to present the beauties of Bulgaria and, through Burgas, to all the guests and fans who will follow the live broadcast to feel Bulgaria.” Prime minister Rumen Radev said he believed Burgas will represent Bulgaria with dignity, adding: “I think that every Bulgarian city has something to offer both in terms of culture and history, especially in terms of people and modern services. So let’s present ourselves with dignity. I think that Burgas is a really good choice.”
Evtim Vodenicharov, 32, a data manager from Burgas, expressed excitement: “Of course I’m excited. I hope I will be able to get a ticket and go watch it live instead of being at home and watching it on TV. It’s in my home town.” Dara encouraged visitors to explore Bulgaria: “We should look at all of the positive sides. I think people should go to the seaside and all around Burgas, there are really good places.”
