The Burgas Festival for Sung Poetry "Salty Winds" opened its 17th edition with an emblematic concert by the duo "Turkoise", which marked the beginning of the major cultural event in the coastal city.
Deputy Mayor Diana Savateva welcomed the participants, emphasizing the exceptional importance of the forum for the city's cultural calendar. In her opening speech, she highlighted the enthusiasm and dedication of the organizers who continue the tradition started more than a decade ago.
Hosts Lyubov Uzunova and Gergana Tachkova recalled the historical context of the festival, whose foundations were laid in 2009 by a group of enthusiast bards. The event maintains its core principles – acoustic performances, competitive formats, and a stage space in immediate proximity to the sea.
This year's edition brings together 22 individual performers and 6 duet formations from Bulgaria, Russia, and Italy. Among the participants are both established bards and five debutants who will present their works.
A key highlight of the program is the "Against the Wind" competition, which will present eight new songs with a strong civic position. The prestigious jury, led by Genoveva Tsandeva and Boycho Ivanov, will determine the winner who will receive a specially created sculpture by sculptor Neven Kiderov.
The organizers from the "Salty Winds" association expressed support for Burgas' candidacy for European Capital of Culture in 2032. They thanked the Burgas Municipality, the Commission for Co-financing Cultural Events, and the Maritime Casino Cultural Center for their invaluable support.
The opening performance was by the duo "Turkoise" – Galina Moskova and Valentin Angelov, who marked their 15-year creative anniversary with a concert dedicated to the sea and Burgas.
Among the attractive program elements is the humorous concert "Dog Watch", which traditionally presents satirical and ironic bard performances.
The "Salty Winds" festival continues today with new performances and meetings of bards from across the country, establishing itself as a significant cultural event in Bulgarian musical and poetic life.