International creative competitions for the Bulgarian community abroad in 2025 registered an unprecedented growth in participants, covering talents from different continents. The initiative of the Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad attracted over 600 children and youth from communities in the USA, Germany, France, Turkey, and other countries.
The three leading competitions – the literary "Stefan Gechev", the musical competition "Lyubka Rondova", and the artistic "Bulgaria in My Dreams" – became a platform for showcasing young Bulgarian talents. Participants from Saturday schools and cultural centers were most active, presenting innovative interpretations of our national identity.
The final ceremony at the National Palace of Children in Sofia turned into an emotional celebration, followed by a creative camp in the village of Brodilovo. Parallel to the competition programs, online meetings with Bulgarian artists were organized, which additionally motivated the participants.
Parents participated in specialized language learning workshops, and social media communities for intergenerational exchange emerged. This approach aims not only to preserve cultural memory but also to create lasting emotional connections with the homeland.
The large-scale initiative has a deep strategic meaning. For young Bulgarians, it is an opportunity to rediscover their roots; for parents, to see the results of their educational efforts; and for the state, to attract back talented young people with international experience.
The results are encouraging: more and more young compatriots are planning visits to Bulgaria, showing interest in additional cultural programs, and expanding their understanding of national belonging beyond geographical boundaries.
The success of the initiative shows that Bulgarian society is gradually becoming aware of the importance of the diaspora as a dynamic and important national resource that can be preserved and developed through targeted creative and educational activities.