Back to the River: What We Created Together at "Rivers of Sofia 2025"

This year, ЗаВръщане в България returned to the Rivers of Sofia festival for the second time. From August 29 to 31, our stand in South Park became a gathering point for conversations, workshops, and moments that reminded us why we do what we do.

We hosted nine events over three days, together with seven amazing partner organizations. It was chaotic at times, but full of life and meaning. There were moments of inspiration, laughter, reflection, even exhaustion, but most of all, connection.

None of what we did that weekend would have been possible without our incredible volunteers. From setting up the tent and climbing trees to hang the tarp (a surprisingly technical task) to welcoming guests and making sure everything ran smoothly, their energy and kindness carried us through every moment of the festival. They are the quiet force behind everything we do, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

What We Brought to the River

Our theme this year focused on the people and organizations already creating change in Bulgaria. We wanted to show what’s possible when you come home with purpose and curiosity, and when you choose to care.

From conversations about volunteering, education, healthcare, and identity to creative workshops on heritage and self-discovery, every event had its own heartbeat.

Between Here and There: Belonging and Identity (Veselin Alexiev, Клуб „Смисъл“ x Ekaterina Shikerova, „ЗаВръщане в България“)

We opened the festival with a powerful reflection on what it means to belong. Using clay and a world map, participants shaped symbols of their past and present: childhood homes, birds, rivers, roots. As stories unfolded, people realized how much they shared. It was a gentle reminder that living between worlds is not a flaw but a form of richness, and that belonging begins where you choose to plant yourself.

Garden Party for the „ЗаВръщане в България“ community

Петъчната вечер беше незабравима. Приятели, доброволци и нови лица напълниха градинския ни кът с музика, смях и дълги разговори. Беше невероятна смесица от хора - завърнали се българи, местни и чужденци, обединени от едно усещане: това е как изглежда общност.

Everyone Can Be a Hero: Volunteering for All Ages (Emanuela Ivanova, „TimeHeroes" Foundation)

Saturday began with energy and optimism. The conversation circled around what it means to volunteer, how to inspire others to do the same, and why even the smallest gesture matters. People shared their first volunteering stories, debated motivations, and left feeling that they, too, could be part of the ripple effect of doing good.

Medicine in Bulgaria: Mission (Im)possible? (Sabina Tabakova & Antonia Baeva, „ИноВейд", program of the „PINK“ Foundation)

This talk gathered doctors, students, and future medics for an honest conversation about healthcare in Bulgaria. It wasn’t sugar-coated. The challenges are real, but the tone was hopeful. Everyone agreed that meaningful change starts from within, and that each person in the system has the power to lead by example.

Workshop: "Why I Chose Bulgaria and What I’m Doing Here?" (Anna-Maria Andreeva, „ЗаВръщане в България“)

Raw, open, and heartfelt. Participants spoke about their personal journeys - why they came back, what they love, what frustrates them, and how they cope. Many mentioned feeling drained by negativity or close-mindedness, but the discussion ended with a shared choice: to keep choosing openness, positivity, and hope.

Film Screening: "You’re Not Alone When You Do Good" („Не Си Сам“ Foundation)

As the wind picked up and a storm started brewing in the sky, we gathered for our first outdoor film screening. The film captured the kindness of volunteers delivering food to elderly people in nearby villages. There was laughter, there were tears, and above all - connection. Even the weather couldn’t break the sense of togetherness.

Tea Workshop: Create Your Own Herbal Blend (Dessy Rey, „ЗаВръщане в България“)

Sunday morning started calm and fragrant. Surrounded by jars of herbs, people created their own teas while learning about the healing power of Bulgarian plants. The conversations were slow, grounded, and sincere - about life, self-care, and the return home. It was a beautiful pause in the rush of the festival.

The Future of Education in Bulgaria – Connection Circle (Mariana Castañon, Maple Bear Sofia School)

One of the most engaged sessions of the weekend. Educators, students, and parents sat together in a circle to discuss what works in Bulgarian education and what must change. Facilitated by Mariana Castañon, the format encouraged active listening and equal voices. It was thoughtful, solution-oriented, and hopeful.

Cultural Heritage Workshop: Reimagining an Abandoned Rhodope School (architect Kristiana Brunzalova, architecture studio „Канатица“)

The closing workshop brought creativity and heritage together. Kristiana shared her real architectural project to revive an abandoned school in Hvoyna, Bulgaria and invited participants to redesign it — turning it into a place for artists, learning, or community gatherings. People drew, questioned, and dreamed. It was the perfect way to end: with inspiration for the future.

What all of this meant for us

Being part of Rivers of Sofia 2025 for the second time felt like both a celebration and a challenge. A celebration because we saw again how many people care about Bulgaria, and a challenge because nine events in three days with unpredictable weather is no small thing. But every second was worth it.

What stood out most was not the size of the events, but the people. Every story, every new connection, every conversation reminded us why we started. The returnees searching for belonging, the educators dreaming of better schools, the volunteers giving their time, the architects reimagining what’s possible — they are the reason we continue.

ЗаВръщане в България is not only about returning home. It’s about choosing to care. It’s about believing that Bulgaria’s story is still being written, by all of us, together, one idea, one act, and one conversation at a time.

Thank you to everyone who joined us by the river, shared their stories, and reminded us what community feels like.

Until next time - see you somewhere between here and there, building Bulgaria’s future together.

The „ЗаВръщане в България“ Team