sports
Next year’s Eurovision host is Burgas, not Sofia. Some Bulgarians are baffled
Next year’s competition won’t take place in the country’s capital, an announcement that even surprised Bulgarian winner, Dara
TL;DR
- Burgas, a Black Sea port city, will host Eurovision 2027 instead of the capital, Sofia.
- The decision surprised many in Bulgaria, including Eurovision winner Dara.
- Sofia was considered the more obvious choice due to its larger arena and status as the capital.
- Burgas, home to 200,000 people, has an established tourism industry and Bulgaria's second-largest port.
- Arena Burgas, a 15,000-capacity hall completed in 2023, will be the main venue.
- Eurovision 2027 will see Canada participate for the first time, with rule changes including a higher minimum participation age.
- Officials believe Burgas can successfully host the event and present Bulgaria's culture and beauty.
- Some Sofia residents expressed relief that the capital will avoid the event's disruption.
- Others are excited for Burgas, anticipating economic and tourism boosts.