In 2015, Bulgaria marks the 120th anniversary of writer Aleko Konstantinov’s Invitation, introducing for the first time the famous tourist slogan "Get to Know Bulgaria In Order to Fall in Love with It". After that invitation on 27 August 1895, a total of 300 people climbed up Cherni Vrah /Black Peak/ in the Vitosha Mountain near Sofia. Thus, the start of Bulgarian hiking tourism was given. Poet Ivan Vazov wrote his Na Cherni Vrah /At Black Peak/ poem devoted to that event. The excursion was also mentioned as the beginning of Bulgarian organized tourism in some of his travelogues.
Who wouldn’t opt for a free day in the mountain? There might be such people, but my personal experience says that one can definitely find peace and tranquility, along with inspiration across the grass-covered and rugged terrain of Vitosha. Slight breeze and the odor of pine trees caress the senses of anyone who has dared to try the beauty of mountain walks. The climbing of Cherni Vrah in the 4th grade will remain as one of my most unforgettable experiences. I wasn’t aware at that time that I was following the footsteps of Shtastlivetsa (the Bulgarian for Lucky Man, as Aleko Konstantinov was nicknamed), but I did know that the nice and tiring walk would remain a memory for good. The feeling of fatigue couldn’t stop me, as I wanted to reach the top of the mountain, the top of my dreams back then.
This year nature fans have the chance to join the marking of the 120th anniversary since the start of organized tourism in this country. The event will take place on 30 August 2015 at Cherni Vrah, where the National Tourist Congregation is going to take place.
Some more good news related to a healthy lifestyle: Sofia has been recently selected to be European Capital of Sport 2018. The city is a good example for the development of mass sports events. The initiative mainly aims at the popularization and development of the active way of living, along with sports infrastructure with good facilities, programs and activities.
English version: Zhivko Stanchev
At the Bulgarian Embassy in London, Prof. Bettany Hughes presented excerpts from the new BBC series - Wonders of Bulgaria. Prof. Bettany Hughes is the author of two episodes of the documentary. Hughes is a historian, writer, author of..
According to the Annual Report on the Health Status of Bulgarian Citizens for 2023, t he main cause of death in Bulgaria is diseases of the cardiovascular system (61.1%), followed by oncological diseases (16.5%) and diseases of the respiratory system..
In the week of St. Andrew’s Day (also known as Bears’ Day or Mechkinden), WWF is drawing attention to six orphaned bear cubs who have been given a second chance at life. The initiative is part of the "Subscribe to Nature" campaign and..
Mostly Cloudy
Partly Cloudy
Cloudy
Cloudy