The Southern Black Sea Coast Hosts a World-Class Event

After attracting more than half a million visitors in the capital, the LUNAR Festival of Light Art has set off for a new destination — the Southern Black Sea Coast. From 1 to 4 August, the towns of Tsarevo, Lozenets, Ahtopol, and Sinemorets are hosting the first seaside edition of the festival, which for the past four years has transformed Sofia’s nightscape with large-scale 3D mapping projections and light installations. The event is organized by MP-STUDIO, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and in partnership with the Municipality of Tsarevo.

“LUNAR is a world-class festival. The talented team of MP-STUDIO has done an amazing job. At the same time, I see exceptionally dedicated local governance in the face of the mayors of these municipalities — leaders who speak for the Southern Black Sea Coast, who work together, and who create a common strategy,” said Minister of Tourism Miroslav Borshosh in his opening speech. He noted that no other festival attracts as many visitors as LUNAR, and that its positive impact on the region is only beginning to unfold — not only in terms of visitor numbers, but also as an impetus for local businesses, tourism, and the cultural scene in the municipality.

With the strategic support of the Ministry of Tourism, the LUNAR Festival continues to expand the boundaries of cultural and urban tourism in Bulgaria. Its first edition on the seaside is a clear sign that Bulgaria has the potential to host year-round cultural events, not only in the capital but also in smaller resort and coastal communities. “LUNAR: A Sea of Lights” places Tsarevo on the international map of urban and festival tourism, alongside major world capital cities that have developed and established their own festivals over the years. I am convinced that this event will become a new symbol of the summer cultural calendar of the Southern Black Sea coast — attracting tourists, stimulating the local economy, and establishing the region as a significant cultural center,” said Minister Borshosh. The event followed the earlier announcement made by the Minister that day — namely, that the Ministry of Tourism is developing a joint tourism product in cooperation with the municipalities of the Southern Black Sea coast. According to Minister Borshosh, this approach will make it much easier for the state to support these municipalities and stand behind them. “Without cleanliness, order, proper lighting, and good infrastructure, it is difficult for a municipality to develop tourism. The Municipality of Tsarevo is one of the best examples of effective local governance under Mayor Marin Kirov and the Municipal Council, who are steering tourism in the right direction. LUNAR is the culmination of their work — a truly world-class festival,” the Minister added. He thanked the event organizers and the Mayor of Tsarevo for their dedication and for the high level of organization of the festival. Minister Borshosh concluded his speech by saying: “I am very proud of the young people from MP-STUDIO, of Bulgarian businesses that support cultural events, and above all, of people like Mayor Marin Kirov of Tsarevo. I sincerely congratulate you and assure you that you have our full support.”