On 17 September, Sofia celebrates its official city day, and this year the celebrations will also light up the capital. From 17 to 20 September, Sofia’s iconic Largo will become a spectacular stage for light art during the fifth edition of LUNAR: “The Lights of Sofia”.
The special edition is organised by Sofia Municipality, Visit Sofia and MP-STUDIO. Admission is free, with light shows taking place every evening from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
Sofia will host the world’s largest international immersive video mapping competition. Seven finalists from Indonesia, Italy, China, Poland, Ukraine and the Czech Republic, selected by an international jury, will present their shows. All works have been created around this year’s theme, “Urban Pulse”, exploring the city as a living organism that is constantly changing, moving and bringing together people, ideas and energy.
The celebrations will also offer plenty of opportunities to explore Sofia and discover its history, architecture and cultural heritage.
Walking Tours and City Routes
The programme on 17 September includes a series of walking tours organised by Visit Sofia, presenting the history, architecture and different faces of the Bulgarian capital.
10:00 am – “Discover Sofia” – a Visit Sofia walking tour for 80 children from Svetlina Private Kindergarten.
10:00 am – “Bohemian Sofia” – a walking tour with Viktor Topalov.
10:00 am – “Legacy of the Regime” – a student tour organised together with Sofia Platform, starting in front of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and ending at the Archives State Agency.
11:00 am – “Historical Routes: Sofia” – a walking tour with Zdravko Petrov.
11:00 am – “Serdica Is My ROME” – a Visit Sofia walking tour.
1:00 pm – “Legacy of the Regime” – a student tour organised together with Sofia Platform, starting in front of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and ending at the Archives State Agency.
5:00 pm – “Bohemian Sofia” – a walking tour with Viktor Topalov.
Explore Sofia by Retro Tram
From 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of old Sofia aboard a retro tram. Services will depart at 4:00, 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00 pm, following a route from Nadezhda Overpass to Journalist Square.
The Lights of LUNAR
In the evening, Sofia will be illuminated by the spectacular shows of LUNAR. From 17 to 20 September, the Largo will become a vibrant space for light art, bringing together international artists, Sofia residents and visitors to the city. All projections are free to attend and will run every evening from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
The programme also includes a themed Event Box photo booth organised by Visit Sofia, located in front of the Bulgarian National Bank on 17 September, Sofia Day.
The festive programme offers a different way to discover Sofia – through its history and architecture, urban heritage and contemporary light art.
Updates and information about upcoming events are available through Visit Sofia’s official Facebook and Instagram channels.
