Burgas Municipality defends the English inscription "I ❤️ BURGAS"

The illuminated sign "I ❤️ BURGAS", placed in English on "Atanas Sirekov" square, is not treated as an advertising element and for this reason does not fall within the scope of the Ordinance on advertising and information activities on the territory of the municipality. This is specified by the Municipality of Burgas in an official

The installation was mounted in the middle of the month on the central square "Atanas Sirekov" and quickly attracted the attention of the residents and guests of Burgas. In the first days, the construction became a preferred place for photos and selfies, but in parallel with this, disputes and criticisms flared up in social networks, caused by the fact that the message was not written in Bulgarian.

In his question to the municipal administration, Marian Ivanov recalls that the same administration has already sanctioned other entities for similar cases. He refers to the Ordinance on advertising and information activities, according to which all inscriptions in public places, including illuminated signs, must necessarily be written in Bulgarian, and if necessary, can additionally be duplicated in a foreign European language.

From the answer of the Municipality of Burgas it becomes clear that the illuminated inscription is regarded as part of the decorative design and festive decoration of the urban environment. According to the administration, this art installation is not among the objects listed in the ordinance, which are defined as advertising or information facilities and fall under the action of the relevant rules.

"It does not represent an information or advertising facility, nor is it intended to attract the attention of the public for commercial purposes. It is an art installation with lighting in the dark part of the day, which will visually enrich the square space where it is located", points out in its position the deputy mayor "Finance, budget, economy and maritime affairs" Stanimir Apostolov.

The document of the municipal administration also includes examples from other countries – among them France, Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Romania and China – where similar city inscriptions are also written in English. It is emphasized that such installations function as modern visual symbols that promote cities and make them more recognizable in the eyes of tourists.

The position also reminds that Burgas is purposefully developing as a tourist destination and attracting more and more guests from abroad. According to the municipality, the use of English in such an art installation is a logical choice, as it makes the message accessible to both local residents and foreign tourists, and contributes to a more modern and attractive appearance of the city center.

The local authorities emphasize that the illuminated inscription is part of a wider concept of festive and light decoration, which includes various decorative elements in key locations in Burgas. The expectation is that the installation will continue to be an attractive point for photos and sharing on social networks and thus contribute to the positive image of the seaside town.