The morning of 1 July - a spontaneous celebration of freedom

Sunrise on 1 July is of special significance in Bulgaria. Thousands flock to the shore again this year to spend the morning of the first day of July together. This tradition dates back to 1986, when rock fans gathered on Varna beach to watch the sunrise to the sound of the popular song "July Morning" by the British band "Uriah Heep". This year, however, the celebration is special:

"We must not forget that the song by "Uriah Heep" appeared in 1971 (i.e. half a century ago). It penetrated the Iron Curtain, came to Bulgaria and became a favourite idol of a part of the population. The first to greet the first rays of the sun in the month of July gather at the breakwater of Varna," says Anatoly Angelov from Varna, who has participated in the July Mornig festival several times.

"I have witnessed several July's on the seashore. At some I played, at others I just gave myself up to the joy. What can I say? It's an insane feeling of freedom!"