European culture

Russian former world number two Vera Zvonareva has been denied entry to Poland where she was to participate in next week's Polish Open WTA tournament, the interior ministry said on July 22.

"Vera Zvonareva was trying to enter our country with a visa granted by France, via a flight from Belgrade," according to a statement issued by the Polish ministry.

Russia's aggression has prompted Ukraine to emphasise the public use of Ukrainian - and a shrinking community of Romanian-speakers fears for its identity.

A solemn reception on the occasion of the Day of Russia took place yesterday at the Russian Embassy in Sofia, TASS reported, referring to its correspondent on the spot.

Today, May 24, Bulgarians celebrate the Day of the holy brothers Cyril and Methodius, of the Bulgarian alphabet, education and culture, and of Slavic literature.

The holiday will be marked with solemn celebrations throughout the country.

A Russian-style 'Immortal Regiment' parade to commemorate the Day of Victory over Fascism in World War II was held on Tuesday in Banja Luka, the main city of Bosnia's Serb-dominated Republika Srpska, attended by Bosnian Serb president Milorad Dodik and Moscow's ambassador to the country, who used the event to justify Russia's war against Ukraine.

On International Dance Day (29.04.), over 1,300 dancers from all over Bulgaria gathered in front of the National Palace of Culture (NDK) and sent a message of peace.

"The longest horo in Sofia" is an initiative of the National Folklore Ensemble "BULGARE" and the Association of Choreographers in Bulgaria, whose idea is that every year the event grows and includes more and more people.

Norway's black metal music first gained notoriety with murders and church burnings but has now earned its spot in the halls of culture with a new exhibit at Oslo's National Library.

"Bad Vibes" showcases a dark world of music that has a contemplative, almost intellectual side beneath its destructive exterior.

Far from being sealed, the so-called new Eastern Land Route, which came to the public's attention during the second half of 2021, appears to be very much active today, with migrants, activists and border guards settling into what one expert terms a "routinization" of their actions on this border.

Despina Geroulanou, member of the Benaki Museum Board of Trustees and, recently, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture, has died at the age of 65.

The cause of death was lung disease; she had been hospitalized for a month.

Drago Tršar, an acclaimed modernist sculptor best known as the author of the Monument to the Revolution in Ljubljana's Republic Square, has died, shortly before his 96th birthday.

Tršar leaves behind an extensive oeuvre, ranging from large public monuments, to small sculptures, as well as drawings, paintings, set designs, graphic arts, ceramics, tapestry and book design.