Sofia to Shine Again: LUNAR Light Festival Returns from May 8 to 11

From May 8 to 11, Sofia will once again host one of Europe’s most impressive cultural events — the LUNAR Light Festival. In its fourth edition, the event turns the capital into a massive outdoor art gallery. Over four nights, locals and visitors will enjoy free access to a glowing trail of light across 14 key locations in downtown Sofia. More than 20 international artists will display their visual creations using 3D mapping, holograms, laser installations, and multimedia shows on building façades, parks, and squares. The total exhibition area exceeds 10,000 sq. meters. The festival is organized by the Bulgarian visual effects studio MP-STUDIO in partnership with Festival of Lights International. It is supported by the European Parliament, European Commission, Ministry of Tourism, and Sofia Municipality, under the patronage of Mayor Vasil Terziev. The festival route spans about three kilometers and features various thematic installations. The National Palace of Culture will host the “Bright Horizons” 3D mapping contest, while the iconic “Cosmos” fountain will come alive through laser and video projection. At the National Gallery “Kvadrat 500,” finalists of an international video mapping competition will showcase works based on the theme “Legacy.” The National Library “St. Cyril and Methodius” will celebrate Europe Day with a light sculpture representing the core values of the EU. The festival also addresses timely issues such as environmental awareness, sustainable development, and the impact of artificial intelligence. “It’s a chance to merge classical art with digital expression,” adds Marin Dimitrov. In 2023, the event attracted nearly half a million visitors, and this year is expected to see even greater interest, solidifying Sofia’s growing reputation as a hub for art and tourism.