KALATA Festival in Burgas: A Tribute to Georgi Kaloyanchev and Partsalev
From September 5 to 8, the picturesque seaside city of Burgas will become the epicenter of comedy and laughter, hosting the first edition of the long-awaited KALATA festival. The event, which promises to bring together generations and genres, is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of two of the greatest and most beloved icons of Bulgarian comedy art - Georgi Kaloyanchev and Georgi Partsalev. The festival has the ambition to intertwine theater, cinema, circus, and street art on one stage, creating a unique atmosphere for the residents and guests of the city.
In addition to being a celebration of laughter, the festival will also pay tribute to a contemporary Bulgarian talent who passed away prematurely - the writer Alek Popov. In his memory, the film "Mission London" by director Dimitar Mitovski will be screened, based on a screenplay by Popov himself. This decision highlights the connection between classic comedy and its contemporary embodiment, showing the continuity in Bulgarian culture.
The central events of KALATA will take place at two iconic locations in the city - the open-air stage "Ohlyuva" and the NHK Cultural Center. All events will have free admission, allowing everyone to experience the magic of art and enjoy the program. This accessibility is a key element in the festival's mission to popularize culture and make it a part of people's daily lives.
The opening of the festival is planned as a true spectacle. It will begin with a large and spectacular procession that will set off from the Burgas Municipality building and pass triumphantly through the central streets of the city. The participants will create a colorful and cheerful picture.
The procession will include:
- acrobats
- majorettes
- dancers
- stilt walkers
- mimes
- brass bands
- mobile music hubs
The city center will be filled with music, and passersby will be able to witness live art.
The culmination of the opening ceremony will be a magnificent aerial performance. Two acrobats will perform incredible acts on the facade of the Municipality building, transforming it into a stage for high art. The procession will end at "Troykata" Square, where a fun contest for the funniest costume will be held. The winner will receive a special prize, and the celebration will continue with fun and good cheer.
KALATA is positioned as a unique meeting between different generations and genres, promising "laughter with depth and tradition with innovation". The organizers emphasize that admission is free, and a good mood is mandatory. The festival is organized by the Municipality of Burgas and is part of the city's efforts to support its bid for European Capital of Culture in 2032, which adds another layer of significance to the event.