Regaining a sense of belonging
Near Mezdra the Iskar River Rustles
Reimagining urban neighborhoods as a place for art, culture, sport and the revival of traditions
The Urban fair "Near Mezdra the Iskar River Rustles" is a series of annual city festivals launched in 2024. It brings together the local creative community,cultural,educational,and sports organizations,providing a stage for young talents from various fields. Part of the urban event goals is to bring art,culture, and traditions to every resident of the city by holding each edition in a different neighborhood to restore the residents' sense of belonging to the community, culture, and traditions.
Bulgaria
Local
Mezdra city, Bulgaria
Mainly urban
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Yes
2024-12-06
No
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
"Near Mezdra the Iskar River Rustles" is an annual event dedicated to inclusive through art, culture, and local traditions. Rooted in the principles of the New European Bauhaus, the annual gathering aims to re-imagine urban spaces by blending artistic expression with social engagement and environmental consciousness, reviving community spirit among residents of different neighborhoods through cultural activities. By bringing together the local creative community, educational and cultural institutions, youth organization and sports clubs, and the local community, the urban festival creates a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and innovative urban transformation, creating a connection between generations, a connection with nature and uniting the local community by art, culture and traditions.
The Urban community fair has a multifaceted mission, including:
•Inspiring children to explore diverse ways to spend their free time, developing new skills and interests as alternatives to harmful habits and substance use
•Encouraging young people to engage in various creative activities, music, arts, sports, and the preservation of traditions
•Reviving community spirit among residents of different neighborhoods through cultural activities
•Showcasing the talents and achievements of Mezdra’s youth and fostering inter-generational connections through art, culture, traditions, and creativity
•Involving the community-especially children and young people-in preserving local culture and heritage.
•Uniting people around meaningful social and public causes, setting an example for an engaged and active civil society
•Promoting outdoor activities, nature appreciation, and sports.
Each of the first 3 editions brought together more than 200 talented children from different fields (dance, music, art, sports), who breathed life into three different locations in the city and showed that culture and traditions can unite residents and make Gray city neighbourhoods full of life.
The Urban community fair has a multifaceted mission, including:
•Inspiring children to explore diverse ways to spend their free time, developing new skills and interests as alternatives to harmful habits and substance use
•Encouraging young people to engage in various creative activities, music, arts, sports, and the preservation of traditions
•Reviving community spirit among residents of different neighborhoods through cultural activities
•Showcasing the talents and achievements of Mezdra’s youth and fostering inter-generational connections through art, culture, traditions, and creativity
•Involving the community-especially children and young people-in preserving local culture and heritage.
•Uniting people around meaningful social and public causes, setting an example for an engaged and active civil society
•Promoting outdoor activities, nature appreciation, and sports.
Each of the first 3 editions brought together more than 200 talented children from different fields (dance, music, art, sports), who breathed life into three different locations in the city and showed that culture and traditions can unite residents and make Gray city neighbourhoods full of life.
Art
Culture
Тraditions
Youth
Community
The Prosveta 1925-Mezdra is a center of culture, education and preservation of folk traditions and spiritual values, playing a key role in the cultural life of the local society since its establishment in 1925 until today. The mission of the community center is to be a pillar and guardian of Bulgarian culture and traditions, focusing its activities on children and young people as future guardians of the Bulgarian spirit.
The centerpiece of a series of annual city festivals is the performances of talented young dance and music groups, known for their dedication to preserving the rich cultural heritage of their native Mezdra. The diverse performances highlight the creative spirit of the city. The festivals are held in different locations in the city and bring art and culture as close as possible to each resident to restore their sense of belonging to the local culture and traditions.
The holding of the city festivals not only builds social capital but also creates conditions for more sustainable and adaptable city neighborhoods. Each of the events is held in a different location in the city and draws attention to the need to protect the environment and urban environment so that our children can continue their creative, cultural and sports performances amidst a cleaner nature.
One of the significant results of the created urban events is the example of building a connection between young people and especially children with local culture and traditions, which is a sure sign of the sustainability of the values of any society over time. The inclusion of so many people in the city's outdoor gatherings sharpens their feelings of connection with nature and creates a need for its preservation. The entire initiative gives new meaning to the city district, turning it into a place for art, culture and sports, and each subsequent edition of the Urban Community Fair will involve more and more people in the goals of the events and increase the positive results.
The centerpiece of a series of annual city festivals is the performances of talented young dance and music groups, known for their dedication to preserving the rich cultural heritage of their native Mezdra. The diverse performances highlight the creative spirit of the city. The festivals are held in different locations in the city and bring art and culture as close as possible to each resident to restore their sense of belonging to the local culture and traditions.
The holding of the city festivals not only builds social capital but also creates conditions for more sustainable and adaptable city neighborhoods. Each of the events is held in a different location in the city and draws attention to the need to protect the environment and urban environment so that our children can continue their creative, cultural and sports performances amidst a cleaner nature.
One of the significant results of the created urban events is the example of building a connection between young people and especially children with local culture and traditions, which is a sure sign of the sustainability of the values of any society over time. The inclusion of so many people in the city's outdoor gatherings sharpens their feelings of connection with nature and creates a need for its preservation. The entire initiative gives new meaning to the city district, turning it into a place for art, culture and sports, and each subsequent edition of the Urban Community Fair will involve more and more people in the goals of the events and increase the positive results.
Various artistic and creative formations develop their activities in The Prosveta 1925-Mezdra Community Cultural Center: a dance school for children, a folklore ensemble, a music school, a School of Artistic Speech, a Literature Club, a Readers' Club, a Local History Society, etc.
In its effort to work to preserve the spirit of the local community, understanding that this is possible by building the value system of young people and children, the Prosveta 1925-Mezdra Community Cultural Center leadership initiated the series of city gatherings to offer the entire variety of art, culture, and sports activities in one common initiative.
The Urban community fair "Near Mezdra the Iskar River Rustles" aims to highlight the benefits of participating in creative activities such as music, art and sports, while addressing the growing concern about leisure among young people. We hope to encourage more children to join a variety of extracurricular activities, keeping them involved in positive, enriching experiences and steering them away from harmful habits and addictions. This creates lasting cultural and social values among young people. Their participation in the Urban Festivals and the connection with their fellow citizens living in different locations created meaningful cultural experiences, revitalizing urban neighborhoods. Bringing art so close to people was able to stop the time of gray everyday life and made people rediscover the beauty of local culture and traditions, restoring a sense of belonging to the community.
“Near Mezdra the Iskar River Rustles” created a unique platform for interaction between different communities and disciplines - art, music, dance and sports and create new forms of expression and experience - more dynamic, connected and inspiring, based on local culture and traditions and the diversity of contemporary creativity.
In its effort to work to preserve the spirit of the local community, understanding that this is possible by building the value system of young people and children, the Prosveta 1925-Mezdra Community Cultural Center leadership initiated the series of city gatherings to offer the entire variety of art, culture, and sports activities in one common initiative.
The Urban community fair "Near Mezdra the Iskar River Rustles" aims to highlight the benefits of participating in creative activities such as music, art and sports, while addressing the growing concern about leisure among young people. We hope to encourage more children to join a variety of extracurricular activities, keeping them involved in positive, enriching experiences and steering them away from harmful habits and addictions. This creates lasting cultural and social values among young people. Their participation in the Urban Festivals and the connection with their fellow citizens living in different locations created meaningful cultural experiences, revitalizing urban neighborhoods. Bringing art so close to people was able to stop the time of gray everyday life and made people rediscover the beauty of local culture and traditions, restoring a sense of belonging to the community.
“Near Mezdra the Iskar River Rustles” created a unique platform for interaction between different communities and disciplines - art, music, dance and sports and create new forms of expression and experience - more dynamic, connected and inspiring, based on local culture and traditions and the diversity of contemporary creativity.
The city of Mezdra is rich in cultural and sports events, as well as talented teams, collectives, artists, individual athletes and students who perform at the municipal, regional, national and international levels. However, their achievements remain insufficiently noticed by their fellow citizens, which demotivates them. This leads to a decrease in the sense of belonging to the local community among young people. The first edition of the city fair was held on October 5, 2024, and brought together over 250 young talents from the entire municipality. Young people from the artistic and creative formations of the city cultural center "Prosveta" (dance school, music school, School of Artistic Speech, Literary Club, Readers' Club, Local History Society, etc.), graduates of the Center for Support for Personal Development, kindergartens and schools performed on the open stage. The opportunities for sports and other activities were demonstrated by the Youth Network "BUM", the Tourist Association "Iskar - Mezdra" and the sports clubs in football, karate and rhythmic gymnastics in the city. The second edition of the City Fair took place on November 9, 2024, in district 101 of the city, giving a field for performance to over 200 participants - singers, dancers and reciters, athletes. The third edition was held on December 6, 2024, on the city square on the holiday "St. George's Day" and included, in addition to a rich creative program, a culinary exhibition of traditional dishes prepared by local community centers with a social cause. The funds raised from the culinary exhibition were used to purchase packages of food products, which were donated to lonely and socially disadvantaged residents from all settlements in the Municipality of Mezdra. Along with the culinary exhibitions, at each edition of the festival, master chefs prepare delicious traditional food, which, according to old Bulgarian custom, is shared among all those present.
To inspire creativity and healthy choices among local youth, the Prosveta 1925-Mezdra in 2024, was pleased to announce the first edition of its series of Urban community fairs - more than just a fun day out - it is an opportunity for us to show our children that there are so many fulfilling ways to spend their free time.
"Near Mezdra the Iskar River Rustles" united the local creative community, cultural, educational and sports organizations, bringing the stage for young talents from various fields (dance and music, culture and education, sports - football, rhythmic gymnastics, karate, etc.) to different neighborhoods and locations of the city of Mezdra to restore the residents’ sense of belonging to the local culture and traditions. The Urban community Fair will be held annually, in several editions each fall. It is organized by the Prosveta 1925-Mezdra, with the assistance of the Municipality of Mezdra and the Local Commission for Combating Antisocial Behavior of Minors and Juveniles.
The initiative provided a platform for the performance of the existing cultural, sports and educational organizations in the town of Mezdra: Children's Dance Ensemble "Mezdra - Junior", Music School, Drum School, School of Artistic Speech, Literary Club "Hristo Botev", Reader's Club "Book Hub", Local History Society, graduates of the Center for Professional and Personal Development, Youth Network "BUM - Awake and Determined Mezdrenchani", Tourist Association "Iskar - Mezdra" and the sports clubs: football -Lokomotiv, athletics-Athlete, gymnastics-Anelia, handball- Lokomotiv, karate-Lotos-M", chess-Lokomotiv, sports-Marto.
The complex nature of the whole initiative manages to capture the attention of the city's residents. The residents of the neighborhoods where the first editions took place became a kind of host of the events. They participated in Urban community fairs, sharing art, culture, and traditions on open-air days, creating friendships and bridges between generations.
"Near Mezdra the Iskar River Rustles" united the local creative community, cultural, educational and sports organizations, bringing the stage for young talents from various fields (dance and music, culture and education, sports - football, rhythmic gymnastics, karate, etc.) to different neighborhoods and locations of the city of Mezdra to restore the residents’ sense of belonging to the local culture and traditions. The Urban community Fair will be held annually, in several editions each fall. It is organized by the Prosveta 1925-Mezdra, with the assistance of the Municipality of Mezdra and the Local Commission for Combating Antisocial Behavior of Minors and Juveniles.
The initiative provided a platform for the performance of the existing cultural, sports and educational organizations in the town of Mezdra: Children's Dance Ensemble "Mezdra - Junior", Music School, Drum School, School of Artistic Speech, Literary Club "Hristo Botev", Reader's Club "Book Hub", Local History Society, graduates of the Center for Professional and Personal Development, Youth Network "BUM - Awake and Determined Mezdrenchani", Tourist Association "Iskar - Mezdra" and the sports clubs: football -Lokomotiv, athletics-Athlete, gymnastics-Anelia, handball- Lokomotiv, karate-Lotos-M", chess-Lokomotiv, sports-Marto.
The complex nature of the whole initiative manages to capture the attention of the city's residents. The residents of the neighborhoods where the first editions took place became a kind of host of the events. They participated in Urban community fairs, sharing art, culture, and traditions on open-air days, creating friendships and bridges between generations.
The basis of the Urban community fair "Near Mezdra the Iskar River Rustles" (a series of annual city festivals) is a multi-level engagement. From the very beginning of the idea unites the entire local creative community, cultural, educational and sports organizations, local authorities and educational institutions, as well as other community centers from the municipality. The following have been involved in the initiative in the past 3 editions of the city festival: a dance school, a music school, a School of Artistic Speech, a Literature Club, a Readers' Club, a Local History Society at the city community center, a Center for Support for Personal Development, kindergartens and schools, the Youth Network "BUM", the Tourist Association "Iskar - Mezdra", the sports clubs in football, rhythmic gymnastics, karate, chess, etc. Talented children and young people from the creative clubs performed traditional and modern dances, and musical performances on various musical instruments. The sports clubs held open demonstrations, joint games and open discussions about the benefits of sports. The Youth Network participates in games and activities for everyone, ensuring a fun-filled day for the whole family.
The initiative of the Cultural Center "Prosveta 1925" for the creation of the city fairs was supported by the Municipality of Mezdra and the Local Commission for Combating Anti-Social Manifestations of Minors and Juveniles, who joined in the organization, including financially supporting the holding of the events. To ensure the holding of the city fairs and other annual events, the Cultural Center "Prosveta" was approved for financial support under the national Program "Communities" of the Ministry of Culture of Bulgaria for the provision of modern technological equipment - audio and lighting equipment.
The initiative of the Cultural Center "Prosveta 1925" for the creation of the city fairs was supported by the Municipality of Mezdra and the Local Commission for Combating Anti-Social Manifestations of Minors and Juveniles, who joined in the organization, including financially supporting the holding of the events. To ensure the holding of the city fairs and other annual events, the Cultural Center "Prosveta" was approved for financial support under the national Program "Communities" of the Ministry of Culture of Bulgaria for the provision of modern technological equipment - audio and lighting equipment.
The organization, preparation and conduct of each edition of Urban community fair “Near Mezdra the Iskar River Rustles" involves representatives from various fields – choreographers, athletes, writers, musicians, artists, performers, teachers from local schools and kindergartens, whose graduates are the main target group of the entire initiative. The main goal of including the widest possible range of specialists is to inspire children to explore various ways of spending their free time and develop new skills and interests.
On the other hand, this made the city fairs colorful and diverse, filling the city districts with life, colors and music, which managed to attract the attention of the city's residents. And so, it came to achieving the colorful palette of goals of the Urban community fair "Near Mezdra the Iskar River Rustles" (a series of annual city festivals). United, people reconsidered the space they pass through in their everyday lives and looked at it with new eyes – as a place for art, culture and the revival of traditions.
On the other hand, this made the city fairs colorful and diverse, filling the city districts with life, colors and music, which managed to attract the attention of the city's residents. And so, it came to achieving the colorful palette of goals of the Urban community fair "Near Mezdra the Iskar River Rustles" (a series of annual city festivals). United, people reconsidered the space they pass through in their everyday lives and looked at it with new eyes – as a place for art, culture and the revival of traditions.
The diversity of creative, cultural and sports activities, the spirit of local traditions and the unification of different groups for extracurricular activities, made the city fairs a colorful palette, filling the different neighborhoods with the talent of the young, the experience of the older and unique joint experiences. The fairs managed to show the different opportunities for children and students to make sense of their free time, a strong measure for the prevention of harmful habits and addictions, while at the same time becoming a platform for the manifestation of local talents. The diversity of performances showed the dedication of local groups engaged in artistic performances, inspiring more and more young people to find fulfilling ways to spend their free time, which direct them away from harmful habits and addictions.
Bringing all the beauty and power of traditions, contemporary creativity,music,dance and sports and games to different neighborhoods of the city, the fairs gave the city residents the opportunity to rethink urban spaces and awakened their sense of belonging to the local community. This feeling was further enhanced by the inclusion of social causes in the city fairs, such as a culinary exhibition that provided food products for elderly people living alone in the various settlements of the municipality. The social dimension showed that the association can provide strong support to people in need and made each participant feel useful and part of something bigger than the person himself - the local community.
Our Urban community fair offers a unique platform for interaction between different communities and disciplines - art,music,dance and sports. Instead of traditional formats, where these spheres exist separately, here they intertwine and create new forms of expression and experience - more dynamic, connected and inspiring, based on local culture and traditions and the diversity of contemporary creativity.
Bringing all the beauty and power of traditions, contemporary creativity,music,dance and sports and games to different neighborhoods of the city, the fairs gave the city residents the opportunity to rethink urban spaces and awakened their sense of belonging to the local community. This feeling was further enhanced by the inclusion of social causes in the city fairs, such as a culinary exhibition that provided food products for elderly people living alone in the various settlements of the municipality. The social dimension showed that the association can provide strong support to people in need and made each participant feel useful and part of something bigger than the person himself - the local community.
Our Urban community fair offers a unique platform for interaction between different communities and disciplines - art,music,dance and sports. Instead of traditional formats, where these spheres exist separately, here they intertwine and create new forms of expression and experience - more dynamic, connected and inspiring, based on local culture and traditions and the diversity of contemporary creativity.
The entire concept of Urban community fair "Near Mezdra the Iskar River Rustles" is based on a multi-layered approach, which includes:
- Engaging local cultural, educational and sports organizations in a joint initiative centered on children and youth to inspire them to engage in various extracurricular activities, engage them in positive, enriching experiences, and steer them away from harmful habits and addictions. All three city fairs managed to unite the local cultural, creative and sports community and included performances by over 200 children and youth from the city’s creative, educational and sports clubs.
- Highlighting the benefits of participating in creative activities such as music, art and sports, while addressing the growing concern for leisure among young people.
- Offering exciting sports demonstrations that encourage city residents to join a healthy, active lifestyle.
- Transforming urban neighborhoods into an open stage and place for art and culture, for joint activities and sports, showing the meaning of preserving the urban and environmental environment.
Weaving diverse interests and socially significant causes into a common initiative, transferring community values and local traditions to young people and returning the feeling of belonging to the local culture to the city's residents.
The approach of Urban community fair "Near Mezdra the Iskar River Rustles" includes uniting different spheres and different audiences, using unconventional spaces, by holding events outdoors, for maximum impact, creating new collaborations, social connections and friendships. The city fairs reminded everyone how important it is to be proud of our history, cultural heritage and traditions.
Using all the diversity and beauty of art, music, dance, and outdoor sports, showed that there is something much greater than the material, namely local culture, traditions, and a sense of community.
- Engaging local cultural, educational and sports organizations in a joint initiative centered on children and youth to inspire them to engage in various extracurricular activities, engage them in positive, enriching experiences, and steer them away from harmful habits and addictions. All three city fairs managed to unite the local cultural, creative and sports community and included performances by over 200 children and youth from the city’s creative, educational and sports clubs.
- Highlighting the benefits of participating in creative activities such as music, art and sports, while addressing the growing concern for leisure among young people.
- Offering exciting sports demonstrations that encourage city residents to join a healthy, active lifestyle.
- Transforming urban neighborhoods into an open stage and place for art and culture, for joint activities and sports, showing the meaning of preserving the urban and environmental environment.
Weaving diverse interests and socially significant causes into a common initiative, transferring community values and local traditions to young people and returning the feeling of belonging to the local culture to the city's residents.
The approach of Urban community fair "Near Mezdra the Iskar River Rustles" includes uniting different spheres and different audiences, using unconventional spaces, by holding events outdoors, for maximum impact, creating new collaborations, social connections and friendships. The city fairs reminded everyone how important it is to be proud of our history, cultural heritage and traditions.
Using all the diversity and beauty of art, music, dance, and outdoor sports, showed that there is something much greater than the material, namely local culture, traditions, and a sense of community.
The urban community fair "Near Mezdra the Iskar River Rustles" is a good example of uniting efforts aimed at a better future for children and young people of local cultural and educational institutions, sports clubs, local administration and institutions. The way of conducting the city fairs, by including various stage performances, sports demonstrations, joint games and challenges, managed to attract the attention and interest of young people and children to the intangible wealth of the city, to the benefits of preserving our culture and traditions. Building strong local communities begins with caring for everyone at a very young age and this is one of the things that the city fairs showed. Holding events in different neighbourhoods gives residents a strong sense of belonging to the local culture and traditions.
This approach is fully applicable to any settlement in which there is a desire and motivation to unite different spheres and institutions in the common cause of preserving local culture and traditions, by including children and young people in them.
The concept of Urban fairs can be transferred and adapted to any city, not only in Bulgaria, but also in the EU. The events can be based on different local cultures and traditions, while their focus remains on the future and the local community – children and young people. This makes city councils applicable to any society, because always the efforts for the future in any society are always directed towards children and young people.
This approach is fully applicable to any settlement in which there is a desire and motivation to unite different spheres and institutions in the common cause of preserving local culture and traditions, by including children and young people in them.
The concept of Urban fairs can be transferred and adapted to any city, not only in Bulgaria, but also in the EU. The events can be based on different local cultures and traditions, while their focus remains on the future and the local community – children and young people. This makes city councils applicable to any society, because always the efforts for the future in any society are always directed towards children and young people.
“Near Mezdra the Iskar River Rustles” is a large-scale initiative with a long-term impact on the local community. It tackles pressing global challenges, from health and addiction prevention to social inclusion and education. Through an engaging approach, the urban fairs foster positive change by inspiring young people to be active, aware, and engaged members of society.
This initiative addresses social and educational challenges related to youth development and civic participation. It also contributes to solving other global issues, such as reducing social inequality and enhancing quality of life. Young people today face growing pressure—educational expectations, social media, and the rapid pace of life. The lack of positive experiences can lead to isolation and a diminished sense of community connection.
To counteract this, Urban fairs create a vibrant space for interaction, creativity, and engagement, encouraging youth to explore meaningful activities (sports, art, music, dance) as an effective way to prevent harmful habits.
Promoting Education and Creativity. One of today’s key global trends is the need for practical skills, creative thinking, and social engagement. Through diverse cultural activities, Urban fairs promote education and artistic expression, fostering innovation through art, music, and dance.
Community Development and Civic Engagement. Many young people feel disconnected from society and lack motivation for civic participation. Youth organizations in Urban fairs play a crucial role in giving young people a voice, encouraging their involvement, and integrating them into both local culture and broader community initiatives.
Social Inclusion and Reducing Inequality. Urban fairs support social inclusion in several ways. They provide free access to various activities, making culture, sports, and education accessible to all. Additionally, they incorporate social causes—for example, the donated to elderly individuals living alone in the municipality.
This initiative addresses social and educational challenges related to youth development and civic participation. It also contributes to solving other global issues, such as reducing social inequality and enhancing quality of life. Young people today face growing pressure—educational expectations, social media, and the rapid pace of life. The lack of positive experiences can lead to isolation and a diminished sense of community connection.
To counteract this, Urban fairs create a vibrant space for interaction, creativity, and engagement, encouraging youth to explore meaningful activities (sports, art, music, dance) as an effective way to prevent harmful habits.
Promoting Education and Creativity. One of today’s key global trends is the need for practical skills, creative thinking, and social engagement. Through diverse cultural activities, Urban fairs promote education and artistic expression, fostering innovation through art, music, and dance.
Community Development and Civic Engagement. Many young people feel disconnected from society and lack motivation for civic participation. Youth organizations in Urban fairs play a crucial role in giving young people a voice, encouraging their involvement, and integrating them into both local culture and broader community initiatives.
Social Inclusion and Reducing Inequality. Urban fairs support social inclusion in several ways. They provide free access to various activities, making culture, sports, and education accessible to all. Additionally, they incorporate social causes—for example, the donated to elderly individuals living alone in the municipality.
“Near Mezdra the Iskar River Rustles” brings together local extracurricular activities, giving young people the chance to experience art, culture, sports, and outdoor activities. Urban fairs create a space for socialization, creativity, and active engagement, capturing young people's attention. This inspires them to explore meaningful ways to spend their free time through sports, art, music, and dance—an effective measure to prevent harmful habits. Thus, our initiative takes an important step in promoting culture, traditions, sports, and health as key aspects of a better future.
The fairs unite the local creative community, cultural and educational institutions, sports clubs, and local administration to provide a supportive environment for youth as the driving force of an active civil society.
In 2024, the first three editions transformed different neighborhoods in Mezdra into open stages for art, music, dance, and local traditions, fostering friendships and inter-generational connections. Each fair focuses on a socially significant cause, based on local needs, engaging young participants and building a sustainable, supportive community. More than 200 performers took the stage, and attendees far exceeded the neighborhood populations. A highlight was the preparation and sharing of traditional local dishes, reinforcing the Bulgarian spirit of hospitality.
As a result of the "Near Mezdra the Iskar River Rustles" events, interest in creative schools and sports clubs has grown, paving the way for even larger, more vibrant editions in the coming years. Another key achievement is the transformation of urban spaces into open stages for shared experiences, restoring residents' sense of belonging to local culture and traditions. The festival also shifted attention toward creating a cleaner city, where Mezdra’s children can develop their talents, play sports, and build a brighter future.
The fairs unite the local creative community, cultural and educational institutions, sports clubs, and local administration to provide a supportive environment for youth as the driving force of an active civil society.
In 2024, the first three editions transformed different neighborhoods in Mezdra into open stages for art, music, dance, and local traditions, fostering friendships and inter-generational connections. Each fair focuses on a socially significant cause, based on local needs, engaging young participants and building a sustainable, supportive community. More than 200 performers took the stage, and attendees far exceeded the neighborhood populations. A highlight was the preparation and sharing of traditional local dishes, reinforcing the Bulgarian spirit of hospitality.
As a result of the "Near Mezdra the Iskar River Rustles" events, interest in creative schools and sports clubs has grown, paving the way for even larger, more vibrant editions in the coming years. Another key achievement is the transformation of urban spaces into open stages for shared experiences, restoring residents' sense of belonging to local culture and traditions. The festival also shifted attention toward creating a cleaner city, where Mezdra’s children can develop their talents, play sports, and build a brighter future.
