Bulgarian citizens erupted in celebration Sunday following their nation’s unexpected inaugural Eurovision Song Contest victory, as they awaited the homecoming of performer Dara, whose uplifting dance anthem “Bangaranga” captured the competition.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev posted congratulations to Dara on Facebook, with the artist scheduled to return to Bulgaria Sunday evening.
Radev noted that Bulgaria will welcome Europe and the world when Sofia hosts the 71st Eurovision Song Contest in the coming year.
Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova wrote on X that the 27-year-old performer serves as Bulgaria’s finest young representative, with her win demonstrating that “talent, courage and hard work” can achieve any objective.
Eurovision enthusiasts in Sofia gathered Saturday evening to view the competition broadcast from Vienna, an event marked by boycotts from five nations due to the Gaza conflict.
“Bulgaria was excited last night and literally all night after her win,” finance specialist Petar Stefanov shared with Reuters.
“We are all extremely proud. She won for all of us, for the whole country.”
Amid global challenges including conflict, uncertainty and economic pressures, Dara described “Bangaranga” as “a quiet belief that everything’s going to be all right.”
“Nobody believed that we can win and that Bangaranga can win, and having this love from all the juries and all the audience tonight. It feels like a dream. I don’t know if I am sleeping or is it reality?” she shared during a press conference.
Bulgaria, a member of the European Union, has been recovering from extended political turmoil and reached another significant achievement earlier this year by joining the euro zone.
