Traditionally, Christmas and New Year celebrations were held in Bulgarian prisons and correctional facilities, aimed at the resocialization of prisoners, the General Directorate “Execution of Sentences” (GDIN) announced.
This year, creative workshops were organized, workshops for making Christmas decorations, cards and survachki (Bulgarian New Year's wands), as well as competitions for the best decorated sleeping quarters and literary works. Information events were held to familiarize inmates with the history and traditions of Christmas.
In the “Debelt” correctional facility, the competition “The Prison Seeks Talent” was held, and in the Varna prison, a powerlifting tournament was held. Meetings with contemporary Bulgarian writers were organized in various prisons. Inmates had the opportunity to see the documentary film “Giants”.
For yet another year, charity campaigns were held, aimed at supporting children of inmates and patients of oncology clinics. Extraordinary visits and additional food parcels were permitted.
During the festive month, festive liturgies and solemn prayers were served. Festive issues of newspapers were prepared in the prisons, and the preparation of festive menus was expected.