Since 2022, the LUNAR Festival of Lights has been enchanting Sofia with a spectacular display of light and creativity. The festival transforms various locations, primarily in the city center, into an interactive, open-air exhibition. For several magical nights, Sofia becomes a glowing gallery where artists from around the world share their stories through light. All guests are welcome to enjoy the festival, access is free and locations are mostly in the Sofia city center.
Lunar in 2025 will be held from May 8 to May 11 (Thursday-Sunday).
Diverse and Interactive Installations
Every year, the festival presents a fresh collection of light installations, some static, some dynamic video projections, and others fully interactive. In one memorable example, viewers could send personal messages that were then projected in light across building façades, turning spectators into co-creators.
The locations vary each year, but iconic landmarks often featured include the National Palace of Culture, the Ivan Vazov National Theater, the National Gallery of Foreign Art, and the former Baths building (now the Sofia History Museum). In some editions, the event even incorporates theatrical performances, where storytelling is driven by light-based visual effects.
Themes That Inspire
Each edition of LUNAR is centered around a powerful, thought-provoking theme.
- In 2022, the focus was on protecting the planet, reflecting a global environmental message.
- The 2023 edition aligned with the European Year of Skills, celebrating human potential.
- In 2024, the festival delved into Myths and Legends, bringing ancient stories to life through light.
Curious about what’s coming next? See what’s in store for LUNAR 2025!
An International Lineup of Artists
LUNAR is a private, independent initiative launched by the Bulgarian visual effects studio MP-STUDIO, led by Marin Petkov and his team of talented professionals. The festival is organized in partnership with Festival of Lights International and supported by key institutions, including the Sofia Municipality, the Ministry of Tourism, the European Commission in Bulgaria, and others.
LUNAR brings together a diverse array of artists from across the globe. So far, creatives from the United Kingdom, Germany, Indonesia, Poland, Romania, the United States, Taiwan, Thailand, Ukraine, France, Sweden, and many other countries have participated, each contributing mesmerizing installations that brighten Sofia’s nights.
If you’re an artist with a bold vision and a passion for light, be sure to check the Open Calls on the festival’s official website. Who knows? You might be part of the next edition, leaving your own luminous mark on Sofia.
Practical Information for Visitors
Access to all LUNAR installations is completely free. To enhance the experience, pedestrian zones are designated after 8:00 PM, when it’s dark enough for the projections to become fully visible. The light shows run on a continuous loop lasting a few minutes, so don’t worry if you miss the beginning—you’ll have another chance to see it.
The projections usually continue until midnight, giving you plenty of time to stroll through the displays at your own pace. Make sure to check the public transport schedule, during the festival, the metro and buses often operate with extended hours to accommodate late-night visitors.