For the 32nd time, the Children's Easter Festival will bring together Bulgarian children from different countries in Bosilegrad, Serbia, giving them a chance not only to showcase their skills in crafting the most beautiful and original Easter eggs but also to once again experience the culture and traditions that define us as Bulgarians.

More than 71% of the residents of this small town, located just a few kilometers west of the Bulgarian-Serbian border, are ethnic Bulgarians. “We're trying to preserve our traditions and customs,” says the festival’s organizer Alexander Dimitrov, and adds: “That’s why we bring together children from different regions and countries and turn Bosilegrad into the Balkan capital of children's joy. I believe this is a mission that is worth all the energy I invest in the months of preparation”. This year’s edition of the festival will last 7 days, and the program abounds with exhibitions, concerts, excursions and competitions, in which children will compete for the prize entitled ''The Strongest Dyed Egg''.

"There are Olympic vice-champions and well-known figures from the world of art who attended the festival in Bosilegrad as children. And all of them remember their participation", Alexander Dimitrov said in an interview with Radio Bulgaria.

The festivities will begin on April 16 with a screening of the documentary film "Hard Shells", which tells the story of the festival. The screening will take place at the "MaxiM" Hall of the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) in Sofia.

"The film was first shown last year at a documentary film festival. After that, it was screened in Skopje, Kyustendil and Timișoara, and about 10 days ago we made it available for free viewing on YouTube. We’re doing this small premiere to invite our friends who have supported us over the years. After that, we’re heading back to Bosilegrad, and from April 17 to 24, everything will take place in our town. The festival will conclude, as tradition goes, at the Rila Monastery. This year, the event will end on April 22 with the participation of children from Moldova, Bulgaria, Bosilegrad, and, hopefully from Ukraine", said Alexander Dimitrov.

''Many Bulgarian cities are showing interest in the festival. Unfortunately, we don’t have the capacity to accommodate so many people”, says the organizer of the festival. Alexander Dimitrov adds with gratitude that the festival wouldn’t exist without the support of most institutions in Bulgaria – the National Assembly, the Sofia Municipality and most of the ministries.

What else does the festive program include? There will be a photo plein air showcasing the best of Bosilegrad, a folklore dance concert featuring the Sofia-based ensemble “Na Megdana”, the Impulse ensemble from Moldova, and special guests – 10-year-old Rumena Kancheva from the town of Pavlikeni and renowned Bulgarian folk singer Iliya Lukov.

''Perhaps the most eagerly awaited moment for all the children is making it to the final. The closing competitions will be filled with adrenaline, and later we are to announce the winners. Prizes for the top four include a bicycle, school supplies, backpacks, trophies and medals. We also have a consolation prize. A raffle will be held, and the lucky winner will receive a sport bicycle'', Alexander Dimitrov went on to say.

According to the festival’s organizer, the performance on stage and the connections formed between the children are extremely important for their future development.

''We work with the most interesting age group. These are children who do not yet have bad thoughts and dishonest behaviour. They play openly. In most cases, it’s some of the parents who get in the way with their ambitions, but we already have experience, and we do our best to make sure everything goes smoothly. What happens during these few days in Bosilegrad stays deeply in the memory of every child. And when they grow up and become professionals in their fields, they always remember this wonderful visit to Bosilegrad'', says Alexander Dimitrov, Chairman of the GLAS Association and organizer of the Children's Easter Festival.