Singers, musicians, dancers, artists, craftspeople and cooks from Bulgaria and the Balkans can apply to take part in Balkantea, the International Festival of Balkan Cultures, Sozopol council has announced. The festival is free for participants and will run from 16 to 20 December 2026.

Organisers want applications from singers, musicians, dance groups and ensembles, as well as performers, painters, master craftspeople and cooks. They have invited people from Balkan nations and communities, and anyone who studies, protects or promotes their cultural heritage.

The programme covers music, dance, art, crafts and food of the Balkan peoples, as well as modern creative takes on them. The stage can host traditional and modern Balkan music, and folk and character dances. Artists can show their work, and craftspeople can give demonstrations and run workshops. Cooks are invited to prepare authentic recipes on site, with tastings and themed stalls.

Participants must pay their own travel costs. Organisers will provide housing, as far as they can, for those who say in advance that they need it.

Each application should briefly describe the performer, group or activity. It should set out the proposed act, the number of participants, preferred dates and technical needs, and say whether housing is needed. The council advises applicants to attach photos, videos or links to past appearances.

Places are limited, and participants will be chosen after a selection process.

Sozopol council was among the organisers of the "Chernomorets Laughs" festival, which we reported on 7 November. Cartoonists from Balkan countries visited Chernomorets and Sozopol from 1 to 10 November, and the exhibition "What Do They Laugh At in the Balkans?" opened on 5 November.

The project has financial support from the Ministry of Culture.