If you are new in Bulgaria it’s very important to start integration with locals, since it will help you in the long term experience in the country, and one of the most interesting and effective ways to integrate is to participate in an association or organization of your interest.
Some of the perks of being part of an organization or an association are:
- Meeting progressive people
- Getting to know your area of interest
- Obtain and develop new skills.
- And many more all while having fun and helping others achieve a common cause.
We dedicate this article to some of the dozens of clubs and associations in Bulgaria. From sports and culture and volunteering – there is a lot you can do and learn and let your creativity flourish.
Bulgarian Red Cross – The place where medicine meets a cohesive community
One of the most active and inclusive places in Bulgaria, both for young people and more mature ones – the Bulgarian Red Cross.
The beginning of the movement for the establishment of national aid societies began in 1863 with the convening of the Committee of Five. A year later, it was transformed into the International Committee for the Relief of Wounded Soldiers, and later adopted the name known to this day as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Bulgaria established its national Red Cross Society in 1878 and became the 19th country in the world. Today you can join the Bulgarian Red Cross and become part of many campaigns and actions in support of:
- People in a particularly difficult social situation;
- Protecting the environment and living in an environmentally friendly way;
- Children and adults who need extra care and help.
As part of the Bulgarian Red Cross, you can join specialized pieces of training and courses for first aid. You will have the opportunity to meet people from all backgrounds while training to be a true paramedic expert.
In addition to all this, the BRC conducts regular activities for:
- Mountain rescue
- Disaster preparedness;
- Water rescue;
- Social services;
- Health education;
- Blood donation;
- Even more, which you can find here.
If we have excited you and you want to learn more about the activities of the Bulgarian Red Cross before becoming a volunteer, here you will find more information about their day-to-day activities
The Bulgarian Rotary Club: Invest your passion – take action on sustainable projects
There are as many as 85 Rotary clubs in Bulgaria with over 2332 Rotarians in almost all major cities around the country.
Three Bulgarian activists signed the protocol for the establishment of the first Rotary club in Bulgaria in 1933. The same year the telegram was issued by Rotary International Commissioner Dr. Potter, in which Rotarians from Sofia were informed that the same month the club was unanimously accepted as a member of Rotary International.
The representatives of the Sofia club started working on creating a network of clubs in Bulgaria. Today you can join the Rotary Club in Varna, Ruse, Burgas, Pleven, G. Oryahovitsa, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv.
The history of the movement in Bulgaria is exciting and flourishes again after the Second World War. Today, Rotarians are part of a global network of 1.2 million people. Join them to share the mission “to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and ourselves”.
The Regional Club “Tradition” in Shumen: Historical re-enactment of battles
Whether you or your closest friend is a mad history fan, the Regional Club “Tradition” in Shumen is worth checking out. What the members do is honor historical events in Bulgaria and unite people, who share a passion for arms, weapons, military uniforms, flags, and symbols.
The club is part of the National Company “Tradition”, which has over 30 locations across Bulgaria, some of them being in Varna, Sofia, Pleven, and many more cities. The club is a colorful palette of personalities:
- Restorers collectors;
- Historians;
- History fans.
Their most interesting events include reconstructions of historical events like the Shipka epic, or the siege of Pleven. All club members unite and gather at the historical location, re-enacting the battles, firing arms, and fighting for Bulgaria. The aim of this is to preserve the sanctity of the historical events and to remind people of the great deeds of the Bulgarian ancestors.
When you become a member of the Regional Club “Tradition” in Shumen, you must wear a cub uniform – a recreation of the uniforms worn by military men in the late 1800s. ‘Tradition’ also has a vast array of uniforms from different centuries, regions, and Bulgarian kingdoms. Apart from that, they have also recreated the most important Bulgarian flags – symbols of great wars and historical events.
If that sounds interesting and you would wish to be part of a historical re-enactment of a battle, go on their official website and write your contact information in the submission form.
TarnovoRuns: Outdoor exercise, healthy living, and nature-loving – all in one club
If sport is your passion, then TarnovoRuns is the club to join! Lectures, dance sessions, training, hikes, and more – all of this is part of the portfolio of events that TarnovoRuns organizes all year round. TarnovoRuns fosters healthy living, exercising, taking care of nature and one’s self.
The club founder Kalin Vasilev believes that for people to live truly healthy, they have to take care not only of their body but of their mind and soul. To support their vision and mission the members organize a variety of events that open the discussion about having a healthy mindset, urge people to train outside and join runs or free outside training across the city.
So, if you find it interesting and would wish to get together with athletic and nature-loving people, make sure to message TarnovoRuns on Facebook and put on your running shoes.
The “Bulgarian cinema classics and culture” association: A platform for movies, theatre, and art
There is also something for all the cinema and culture lovers out there. The “Bulgarian cinema classics and culture” association is aimed at every cinema buff that wants to have their art supported. The association fosters the preservation of Bulgarian cinema and culture and connects artists with professionals across the field, supporting their works. It also aims to showcase modern Bulgarian cinema of international (and local) festivals and organizes a variety of conferences, lectures, seminars, festivals, and exhibitions in support of Bulgarian artists.
Apart from that, their camps and training inside the country bring together people from all over Bulgaria and expand their artistic skills and network. The best thing about the organization is that it supports not only cinematographers, but also painters, writers, photographers, and any other artist that wishes to have a platform for their art. So, if you have some old paintings getting dusty in your attic, do not waste more time and message BCC on Facebook. Who knows, we might see your artworks in an exhibition.
Whether you are an artist, sportsman, or a history fan, Bulgaria has clubs waiting for you to join. Their networks will immensely help you expand your network while learning more, taking care of your health, and, most importantly, having fun. So, get out and about!
