The creator of one of Bulgaria’s most iconic indie and alternative art festivals — Vola Open Air on Okolchitsa Peak in the Vratsa Balkan — is back with a new offering for lovers of non-commercial culture: the urban festival Open Vratsa.

For the second edition of Open Vratsa Fest on August 31 and September 1 this year, Tsvetoslav Yonov, or Tseko for short, and his team promise an even more vibrant lineup with independent Bulgarian and international performers, modern circus shows, public readings, and film screenings. You’ll also be able to buy products from local artisans and artists.

Tseko makes a living organizing events and has worked with some of the biggest names in show business, like Enrique Iglesias, Imagine Dragons, José Carreras, and Chemical Brothers. But over the years, his passion for non-commercial art and his desire to give a platform to up-and-coming musicians and artists have never faded. He also dreams of seeing his hometown of Mezdra and the entire Northwest region thrive, believing that art and tourism have enormous potential for development.

Back in 2008, with a few friends and a substantial personal investment, Tseko organized the first Vola Open Air Festival. Held every two years since, the festival has become one of the most popular indie art events in the Balkans and a key part of the Northwest’s cultural calendar.

Fifteen years after Vola Open Air’s inception, its urban sister festival — Open Vratsa — was born thanks to the partnership between Tseko’s team and tourism platform Open Vratsa.

Tseko compares organizing an event to putting together a puzzle. There are many pieces, some get lost and need replacing, and there are surprises until the very last minute. Plus, festivals are expensive, and Tseko has invested a lot of personal funds into them over the years — “enough to buy an apartment,” he says.

Despite the challenges, he’s optimistic and keeps going “because someone needs to do it.” Tseko believes culture makes people more empathetic and helps them grow. It’s also a way for locals to unite around a bigger goal, such as tourism development.

The week after a festival, when he’s most exhausted, he starts doubting whether he can carry on with the festivals. “But then the feeling passes,” he says with a smile.

Join Tseko and friends for an unforgettable experience on Targovska Street in Vratsa on August 31 and September 1. You will have the time of your life!

Support for the Open Vratsa Festival and the Open Vratsa tourism platform is part of the America for Bulgaria Foundation’s long-term efforts to promote economic development in the Bulgarian North through entrepreneurship and tourism.