Days of Russian Culture in Bulgaria

Days of Bulgarian Culture in the Russian Federation will be held in Moscow, Vladimir and Yaroslavl on September 29-October 3. They are dedicated to the 125th anniversary of Bulgaria's liberation from the Ottoman yoke, Russian Culture Minister Mikhail Shvydkoi told a press conference in Moscow on Monday.

The opening gala-concert of Bulgaria's Days will take place in the Bolshoi Theatre. Bulgarian and Russian Presidents Georgi Purvanov and Vladimir Putin will attend the concert.

On his part, Bulgarian Culture Minister Bozhidar Abrashev noted that the Culture Days symbolise the improvements in Russian-Bulgarian political and cultural relations. "Our cultures are very close. Culture is the nearest way to the people's heart. We tried to fill the week-long programme of the Days of Bulgarian Culture with most interesting and varied concerts and performances," he said.

According to the minister, two most famous folklore ensembles, four exhibitions and four films will be presented as part of the Days of Bulgarian Culture in the Russian Federation. Performances of the Ivan Vazov national theatre will be shown as well.

Days of Russian Culture were held in Bulgaria in March 2003.