The "Zora" folk choir from the village of Orizare, near Nessebar, won first place at the "Aegean Magic" Art Festival in Kusadasi, Turkey, Nessebar municipality said.

The choir is part of the "Zora – 1928" chitalishte (community cultural centre). It won the "Folk singing" category in the fifth age group. Groups from Bulgaria and Turkey took part, and the contest was tough, the municipality said. The amateur singers from Orizare performed Bulgarian folk songs.

The municipality said the prize is a source of pride for the chitalishte, the village and the whole municipality. It said the win recognises the steady work of the performers, who keep Bulgarian folklore alive and show it abroad as well.

Local amateur performers are welcome and encouraged to join festivals, contests and other events where folk traditions reach a wide audience. The municipality said Nessebar wants to keep its cultural identity and be known as a place with a lively cultural life and respect for Bulgarian traditions.