Sofia, Bulgaria’s vibrant capital, transforms this August into a living stage where art, fantasy, and folklore collide. The international street art festival 6Fest is back with a bold program – and this year, it’s more special than ever. For the first time, audiences in Sofia will witness the iconic 4.5-meter-tall puppets from Puppets Occupy Street, brought straight from Craiova, Romania.
This spectacular event takes place on August 9th in front of the National Palace of Culture (NDK), inviting the public to an extraordinary visual adventure. Created by Colibri Theatre, the puppets are a highlight of Craiova’s international festival and are as much art installations as they are theatrical figures. Despite their size, they are controlled with strings – but through a mobile structure specially designed for these towering figures. Their arrival in Sofia is not only a cultural premiere but a symbol of how borders vanish when art takes the lead.
The evening begins with a performance by Sofia-based mime group Metamorfozi. Their new circus monodrama “The Queen”, starring Mila Ivanova, is an absurd yet thought-provoking story about power, freedom, and reclaiming one's space. Harlequina is tired of being the fool – she wants the crown. It’s mime, circus, and social commentary rolled into one – showing how 6Fest also elevates local performance art.
But 6Fest isn’t just about watching – it’s about participating. On August 8th, South Park will come alive with workshops for children and youth led by Chameleon Theatre from Plovdiv. Together, they’ll create characters and costumes, embodying the festival’s spirit of creativity through interaction and expression.
The festival’s glowing carnival puppets, nicknamed “The Aliens”, also appear in nightly parades. Nearly 4 meters tall, these fantastical beings seem to come from another world, bringing joy and wonder to all ages. Their luminous presence is now a signature of 6Fest’s mission to spotlight modern street performance in a Bulgarian context.
Since its founding in 2017, 6Fest has grown into one of Bulgaria’s most innovative cultural festivals. Its recent recognition with the EFFE Label 2024–2025 from the European Festivals Association is a testament to its quality, community engagement, and international outlook. With over 200 events in 10 cities, 6Fest continues to bridge local artists with a global street art movement.
The festival runs throughout August and September, with puppet shows in Borisova Garden and light parades near the National Theatre. It’s a moving celebration where the city becomes the stage and the audience becomes part of the show. Free of charge and open to everyone, 6Fest is culture without barriers.
At a time when much of art has moved online, 6Fest reminds us of the power of real-world connection – of eye contact, laughter, and the magic that sparks when a 4-meter puppet dances in the heart of Sofia.
Welcome to 6Fest – where the street becomes a stage, and imagination leads the parade.
PROGRAM
August 8, 2025
📍 South Park (Part Three) – “Stone Animals” playground and the Large Round Meadow
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19:30 – 20:00 – Daytime Carnival Parade
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20:00 – 21:15 – Street and Carnival Arts Workshop
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21:15 – 22:00 – Illuminated Carnival Parade
August 9, 2025
📍 Park in front of NDK (National Palace of Culture) – opposite the entrance to the Ticket Center
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19:00 – 19:25 – Circus Monodrama “The Queen” by Mila Ivanova – Mime Theatre Metamorfozi (Sofia)
August 9, 2025
📍 Park in front of NDK – Starting point: The Pylons
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19:30 – 20:30 – “The Giant Puppets of Puppets Occupy Street” – Colibri Theatre (Craiova, Romania)
August 21, 2025
📍 Summer Stage, Borisova Garden
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19:00 – 19:35 – Puppet Show “Thumbelina” – Gestus Theatre (Blagoevgrad)
August 22, 2025
📍 City Garden and the square in front of the Ivan Vazov National Theatre
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21:00 – 22:00 – Illuminated Carnival Parade “Fairytale Animals” by 6Fest
August 23, 2025
📍 Pedestrian zone of Vitosha Boulevard
Start: Intersection with Alabin Street
End: Intersection with Patriarch Evtimiy Boulevard
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19:30 – 20:30 – Carnival Parade with stilt performers, mascots, and costume artists
August 24, 2025
📍 Geo Milev Park – Meadow and paths around the Georgi Asparuhov-Gundi Monument
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19:00 – 19:30 – Daytime Carnival Parade
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19:30 – 20:30 – Street and Carnival Arts Workshop
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20:30 – 21:15 – Illuminated Carnival Parade
September 10, 2025
📍 West Park – Central Alley and Alley with Funhouse Mirrors
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18:30 – 19:00 – Daytime Carnival Parade
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19:00 – 20:00 – Street and Carnival Arts Workshop
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20:00 – 20:45 – Illuminated Carnival Parade
By Me & Bo Life