In spite of the record heat or even because of it, on 2 July the first Festival of Asian Culture in Bulgaria took place in the Borisova Garden in Sofia with great success.

United by its idea 12 countries with representative offices in Bulgaria – Indonesia, Japan, Iran, South Korea, India, the Philippines, Palestine, China, Pakistan, Vietnam, Syria and Thailand presented their culture and traditions to the Bulgarian audience.

The festival was officially opened in the morning at the Summer Stage in the Park in the presence of the ambassadors of the participating countries and continued until 8 pm when there was a Gala evening for its closure. The opening ceremony was attended by the Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria - Mrs. Iliana Yotova, who congratulated the many guests. H. E. Ms. Sri Astari Rasjid, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia, who gave the idea of the festival and H. E. Dr. Ahmed Al-Madbuh, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Palestine and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Bulgaria, also welcomed the participants. After that white pigeons flew in the sky above Borisova garden, a symbol of peace around the world, and the festival began.

Over the course of the day, hundreds of people came to the park to touch the Asian culture through dance, music, art, cuisine, tourist destinations and traditions. Many of the children took part in over 30 different activities and games that Asian countries offered in the coolness of the park. Every guest could take calligraphy lessons. At noon, of course, the interest of all went to the traditional Asian culinary specialties.

Each country has also prepared a program for the stage involving their representatives. A lottery was organized, with a large prize - 2 tickets for a destination in Asia, provided by Turkish Airlines, the general sponsor of the event. The money raised from it was donated to charity by the International Women's Club (IWC), partner of the festival.

The State Cultural Institute at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism and the Metropolitan Municipality contributed to the success of the first Asian Festival in Sofia, organized with their kind support.

More information can be found on the festival's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/asianfestivalsofia/.

Photos: „Diplomatic Spectrum“