Bulgaria is located in Eastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. The earliest evidence of human presence in the area of present day Bulgaria date back to the Paleolithic Age. The first Bulgarian state was founded in 681. The current population of Bulgaria is 7,000,000 people.

Although the country is small, its territory has collected many natural resources. Here rises Rila – the highest mountain in the Balkans, Pirin, the Rhodopes and many other mountains that occupy half of the country’s territory. East Bulgaria has an outlet to the Black Sea. Bulgaria is rich in water, forests, flora and fauna – it is called “the green island of Europe.”

The country is a year-round tourist destination that has a rich cultural heritage. Tourist sites included in the UNESCO List of World Heritage are the Rila Monastery, the Kazanlak Thracian Tomb, the Old Town of Nessebar, Madara Horseman, Pirin National Park, Srebarna Nature Reserve and more.

The Festival takes place in Stara Zagora – the city of poetry, art, straight streets, and linden. Its many names bear witness to its ancient history – Beroe, Augusta Trayana, Vereya, Irynopolys, Borui, Eski Zara, Zheleznik. In 1878 the Otoman army burns it to ashes, however the city rises and is built anew.

 

Today, multiple cultural centres and tourist sights can be found in the city. The Ancient Forum and Amphitheatre Augusta Trayana is the oldest one in the area and is included in the list of 100 Tourist Sights in Bulgaria together with the Neolithic Dwellings Museum and The Defenders of Stara Zagora Monument.

 

The most popular park in the city is Ayazmoto, which hosts a zoo. You can also find Drama Theatre Geo Milev, State Opera Stara Zagora – the largest one on the Balkans, State Puppet Theatre and many other art schools. Stara Zagora hosts many jazz, theatre, opera, and ballet festivals.

 

The city is the centre not just of a progressive and dynamic society, but the Universe itself, as each and every one of its citizens would (almost jokingly) agree.

The Drama Theatre of Stara Zagora is one of the oldest and most prestigious theatres in Bulgaria. It’s more than 130 years old and carries the name of the poet Geo Milev who lived and worked in the city for many years. The first play at the theatre – Malakova, by P.R.Slaveikov –  was directed by Dr Nacho Planinski and presented for the first time on 18th April, 1870. Forty years later, the poet Geo Milev, directed the plays Oedipus the King by Sophocles and Inspector General by Gogol. The beginning of professional theatre in Stara Zagora is put around 1919/1920. Today, some of the most famous theatre professionals in Bulgaria present their creations of the stage of Drama Theatre Geo Milev.

Currently, there are two stages at the theatre – a Main Stage and a Small Stage, which allows for multiple types of events to take place including theatre plays, conferences, concerts, festivals, and meetings.

Founded in 1957, State Puppet Theatre Stara Zagora hosts some of the most important puppetry events in Bulgaria and is winner of multiple awards for the works and contribution of its institution and its numerous artists.

 

On 2st January, 1962, the theatre becomes state property which encourages its development. Its old building is replaced by a cultural centre for children, with a modern stage, hall, sound and light equipment, a children’s cafe and sweet shop, together with the Chiming Clock and the Dancing Pierot, created by another great artist – the sculptor Emil Ivanov.

 

“Pierot” is the name of another important event in the City of Linden – the biannual International Adult Puppetry Festival. The Festival encourages the exchange of experience in the most up-to-date puppetry trends and techniques. Its programme includes seminars, workshops, art markets, exhibitions, and street art, and is one of the most exciting events in the city’s cultural calendar.

Regional Library Zahariy Knyazheski Stara Zagora is a cultural institute with rich history and an important place for the citizens of Stara Zagora. The library opened for readers on 4th April 1955.

 

Zahariy Knyazheski library was amongst the first in the country to apply a number of modern techniques and approaches in its work – from free access to books (in 1962), through automation of processes, to online access to its full index. In 2006 the library acquires a regional institute status.

The library offers open access to information from all areas of knowledge. Along with this, it is a place for meetings, entertainment, and relaxation.

During the first edition of the festival, the library hosted a multitude of events and talks, while its friendly staff was always ready to assist our team and cause.