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The third edition of the International Festival "Autumn Theatre Meetings in Ruse" has concluded. Over the course of seven days, from October 19 to 25, the audience had the opportunity to meet some of the most popular Bulgarian actors and watch performances by leading theatre troupes.

The festival opened with an exhibition by artist Daniel Dyankov and a production of "Bullets over Broadway" by the Sava Ognyanov Drama Theatre. In the days that followed, the stage hosted performances such as "Switzerland" (Theatre 199), "Art," and "A Ticket to America"—featuring Ivan Barnev and Bashar Rahal—as well as the one-man show "I, Who Love You," performed by Darin Angelov and based on texts by Yana Borisova.

The program also included literary meetings with Dimana Yordanova and Yana Borisova, a conversation with actress Vidina Popova, a creative writing session, and a special concert by musician Milen Kukosharov.

A highlight of the event was the celebration of Krastyu Lafazanov’s 65th birthday. The actor received an honorary badge from the Ministry of Culture, presented by Deputy Minister Marina Vasileva, as well as an honorary plaque from the Municipality of Ruse, presented by Deputy Mayor Dimitar Nedev.

The festival culminated on the final evening, October 25, with a performance by Samuel Finzi in the production "Regarding Omar." On the occasion of his 60th birthday, the actor was honored by the Ministry of Culture for his contribution to the art of theater. The Municipality of Ruse also presented him with a commemorative plaque, handed over by Deputy Mayor Dimitar Nedev. The ceremony was hosted by Nasko from BG Radio.

Katya Kostova is the creator and driving force behind the festival. The event was made possible through financial support from the Ministry of Culture and the "Culture" Program of the Municipality of Ruse, in partnership with Art Theater Berlin, BG Radio, and the Ruse Art Gallery.

The Sava Ognyanov Drama Theater served as the host and partner of the festival; its team handled the organization and technical requirements for the stage performances.

"Autumn Theater Meetings" will return in 2027, featuring new productions, well-known artists, and another seven-day theater marathon in Ruse.

Photos: Ivo Botev

The "Extreme" majorette squad from the International Youth Center in Ruse returned from the Majorette Sport World Cup with four top-tier placements and international recognition. The competition took place on October 24 at the "Mladost" Hall in Burgas.

This marked the first time Bulgaria hosted this prestigious event, which brought together nearly 500 competitors from 28 teams representing nine countries: Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Ukraine, Romania, Slovakia, Serbia, Croatia, and Switzerland. The event was organized by the Bulgarian Majorette Sport Federation—led by President Yulia Mumdzhieva and Vice President Reneta Kamberova—in collaboration with the Majorette-Sport World Federation (MWF), headed by Željka Banović, and with the support of the Municipality of Burgas. The competition was judged by an international panel, and the official guests included representatives and leaders from the national federations of the participating countries.

The squad from Ruse competed with two group routines, as well as four individual and duet performances. Plamena Koleva and Nelin Nadzhieva secured first place in the "Senior Duet Baton" category. Viktoriya Raneva also distinguished herself with a strong individual performance, clinching third place in the "Junior Solo Baton" category amidst extremely stiff competition. Team captain Sofia Pulin also demonstrated a high level of preparation and artistry, earning a well-deserved fourth-place finish in the "Seniors, Solo Baton" category. Sofia Pulin and Viktoriya Raneva took fourth place in the "Seniors, Pom-pom Duet" category.

In the group disciplines, the team from Ruse secured second place in the "Seniors, Classic Baton" category and third place in the "Seniors, Pom-pom" category.

Behind this excellent performance lie the girls' talent, ambition, and perseverance, as well as the dedicated work of their coaches, Veronika Milanova and Petya Boneva.

The girls are already preparing for their next major challenges. In 2027, Bulgaria will once again host a prestigious international event—this time, the European Majorette Sport Championship. Additionally, a World Championship is set to take place in Croatia, for which the team from Ruse has already received an invitation to participate.

Representatives from 14 countries discuss prospects for Danube communities in Ruse

Connectivity, economic development, cross-border cooperation, and the reduction of regional disparities are among the key issues shaping the future of Danube cities. This was stated today by Pencho Milkov, Mayor of Ruse Municipality, who is participating in a working meeting of national coordinators and priority area coordinators for the EU Strategy for the Danube Region.

The event is taking place today and tomorrow at the Riga Hotel and is organized by the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, coordinated by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works. The event is moderated by Vyara Mincheva, the National Coordinator for the EU Strategy for the Danube Region for Bulgaria.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by Desislava Georgieva, Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, who is participating in the meeting online. Official guests include representatives from the European Commission, the Interreg Danube Region Programme, and other organizations from 14 countries.

The mayor emphasized that Ruse and Giurgiu most clearly demonstrate the significance of the Danube River as a link between people, economies, and institutions. In his view, major European strategies are meaningful only when they lead to tangible results—such as better infrastructure, faster transport connections, increased investment and job creation, and greater opportunities for young people. "Connectivity means interconnected economies, institutions, universities, and businesses. It means cities working together and people able to freely communicate, study, work, and develop their ideas on both sides of the river," stated Milkov.

He highlighted the importance of the link between local authorities, universities, and the business sector for fostering innovation and regional competitiveness, emphasizing that Ruse has the potential to serve as an active hub for scientific and educational cooperation along the Danube.

The discussions will address key issues regarding the future of the Danube region, including the role of universities and research networks, youth participation in regional cooperation, the development of cross-border partnerships, and access to European funding for the 2028–2034 programming period. The forum is particularly significant as it focuses on translating strategic priorities into concrete projects and investments. The Municipality of Ruse supports the initiative by organizing walking tours of the city for the meeting's participants.

The International Youth Center is launching the initiative "Youth Municipal Council – Ruse: Participation, Debate, and Decision-Making," aimed at fostering active civic engagement among young people and providing them with a firsthand look at local government processes. The initiative is open to 51 young people aged 15 to 29 who wish to learn more about the work of local authorities.

Through four workshops and a final simulation of a Ruse Municipal Council meeting, participants will have the opportunity to develop skills in teamwork, public speaking, articulating positions, and engaging in discussions. They will address topics relevant to youth life and the city's development, including youth spaces, culture and sports, volunteering, environmental protection, and civic participation.

Meetings with local government representatives and experts are also planned; these sessions will cover the practical aspects of decision-making processes and opportunities for citizen involvement.

The initiative will culminate in a simulation of a Municipal Council meeting. Participants will assume the roles of municipal councilors, present proposals, engage in debates, and vote on decisions regarding the topics they have addressed.

The initiative is open to young people interested in civic participation; no prior experience in local government is required. Key requirements include a desire to participate, an interest in the development of Ruse, and a willingness to work in a team. Those interested in participating can fill out the application form by October 15. Further information is available via email at ruseyouthic@ruse-bg.eu. Following the application period, a selection process will take place, and successful candidates will be notified accordingly.

The initiative is implemented by the International Youth Center – Ruse and the Municipality of Ruse under a grant agreement for Project No. 021/2026, "Youth in Action," funded by the Ministry of Youth and Sports' Program for Financing Youth Centers in the Republic of Bulgaria (2026–2028).

On Wednesday, October 21, Ruse will host an event as part of the "Week of Japanese Aesthetics with Sensei Mitsuru Nagata." This cultural initiative is organized by the "Kokoro" Japanese Cultural Center with the support of Ruse Municipality, the Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria, Angel Kanchev University of Ruse, Nihon Tomono Kai (Friends of Japan in Bulgaria), and Stargate Maritime; it is part of the 37th Days of Japanese Culture in Bulgaria, organized by the Embassy of Japan.

The event’s guest will be Sensei Mitsuru Nagata, a Japanese calligrapher and artist, and a master of *shodo* and *sumi-e*. The program will take place at Angel Kanchev University of Ruse, featuring a *shodo* and *sumi-e* workshop for university students at 2:30 PM, followed by a demonstration open to the general public at 6:30 PM. Admission is free.

During the demonstration, attendees will be able to witness the live creation of artworks using traditional Japanese brushes and ink, and gain insight into the philosophy, techniques, and aesthetics behind these centuries-old art forms. *Shodo* is the traditional Japanese art of calligraphy, in which the written character becomes a reflection of the artist's movement, rhythm, character, and inner state. *Sumi-e* is a form of Japanese ink wash painting rooted in simplicity and balance, capturing the essence of an image through minimal brushstrokes. Mitsuru Nagata was born in 1979 in Kyoto, Japan, and currently lives and works in Barcelona. He holds the rank of *shihan*—a master instructor of Japanese calligraphy—awarded by the Futaba Shodo Kai school, and holds a degree in Sociology from Bukkyo University in Kyoto. Nagata-sensei participates in exhibitions, cultural initiatives, demonstrations, and hands-on workshops in Japan, Spain, and other countries, actively working to promote Japanese culture to international audiences.

In 2026, Mitsuru Nagata received an award of merit from the Consulate General of Japan in Barcelona in recognition of his contributions to cultural exchange and the promotion of Japanese culture.

The "Week of Japanese Aesthetics with Mitsuru Nagata-sensei," held in October, also includes stops in Sofia and Varna. His visit to Ruse offers a unique opportunity to experience traditional Japanese arts firsthand, presented through the living practice of a contemporary Japanese master.