Welcome to this special edition of Bulgaria Today, Radio Bulgaria’s English-language podcast bringing you the latest news and stories about our culture, politics and people. I’m Elizabeth Radkova, and it is my pleasure to host the first episode of 2026.

Here’s what’s coming up this Thursday. As well as marking the start of the new year, 1 January is a particularly significant day for Bulgaria as it joins the eurozone. To mark this momentous occasion, Radio Bulgaria editor Ioan Kolev presents a special interview.

Then, we explore tradition and cuisine as today is Vassiliovden, an important Bulgarian feast day, with Albena Bezovska.

Finally, in our Song of the Day segment, we welcome in 2026 with 'Nova Godina' ('New Year').

Stay tuned!

You can listen to the full version of the podcast available on our website at: https://bnrnews.bg/en/list/podcast-in-english

Welcome to Bulgaria Today, the English-language podcast of Radio Bulgaria, on December 31.

On the last day of the year, we meet Stela Nedkova who is to tell us about her Bulgarian corner in Brussels — a restaurant offering traditional Bulgarian dishes.

Next, we will immerse ourselves in the magic of the village of Momchilovtsi, which offers rural comfort and spiritual renewal in the heart of the Rhodopes.

Finally, in anticipation of the New Year, we will bid farewell to the passing year with Bulgarian songs traditional for these holidays.

Have an enjoyable listen!

In "Bulgaria Today" on Tuesday, 30 December, we bring you the latest news from across the country.

Next, a Bulgarian village on the verge of entering the Eurozone — yet it has no bus line, no post office, and not even an ATM! A reportage by Zdravka Maslyankova, BNR correspondent in Veliko Tarnovo.

Finally, in our music slot, enjoy “A Different World”, the latest track by Plamen Bonev.

Enjoy the show, and don’t forget to join us for our festive editions on 1 and 2 January!

Stay tuned!

You can listen to the full version of the podcast available on our website at: https://bnrnews.bg/en/list/podcast-in-english

Welcome to Bulgaria Today, the English-language podcast of Radio Bulgaria, on December 29.

We start with a summary of the leading news stories from Bulgaria and the weather forecast for tomorrow.

Next on the show: EU countries in the Eastern Balkans strengthen their relations in 2025.

Finally, we bring you the song “Govorya Ti Seriozno” (I’m Speaking to You Seriously) performed by Lubo Kirov.

You can listen to the full version of our podcast on our website at https://bnrnews.bg/en/list/podcast-in-english

Welcome to Bulgaria Today, the English-language podcast of Radio Bulgaria, on December 26, hosted by Kostadin Atanasov.

On the second day of Christmas, Alexander Markov presents an interview with Pavlina Ilieva, chair of the Future for Tourism Association, who tells us about the trips of Bulgarians during the holidays this year and the new trends in travel.

Next, in Highlights of Bulgarians Musical Culture, we present Dimitar Nenov’s Christmas: The first major Bulgarian work dedicated to Christmas.

You can listen to the full version of our podcast on our website at https://bnrnews.bg/en/list/podcast-in-english

Chestita Koleda! Merry Christmas, dear friends! Welcome to the Christmas Day edition of Radio Bulgaria’s podcast hosted by Rositsa Petkova.

Today’s program is all about the spirit of Christmas, carried through music, memory, and voices that connect Bulgaria with the world. We begin with “Christmas from the Aegean Sea to the Danube” - a new collection compiled by folklore researcher and singer Stoyan Varnaliev.

We’ll also meet a true friend of Radio Bulgaria - Chrissy Brand from Great Britain, who shares why she has been listening to our broadcasts for decades, a story of loyalty, curiosity, and cultural connection.

We close with a musical tribute to composer Georgi Genkov, remembered as one of the last “flying people,” whose work continues to lift listeners beyond the everyday.

Stay with us for a festive journey filled with tradition, music, and Christmas warmth!

You can listen to the full version of this podcast, including the song of the day, on our website at: https://bnrnews.bg/en/list/podcast-in-english

Welcome to Bulgaria Today in this festive Christmas edition on December 24 hosted by Rositsa Petkova.

What is Christmas Eve for Bulgarians and how do we celebrate this important date in Christianity – more about Bulgarian traditions and rituals connected to the major holiday.

Next, our colleague Desislava Shapkarova talks to young and old to tell us how Christmas Eve and Christmas looks like through the eyes of traditionalists and Generations X, Y, Z and Alpha.

And of course, no Christmas celebration would be complete without plenty of festive music, specially selected for today’s holiday edition of Bulgaria Today.

Settle in, enjoy the spirit of the season, and stay with us for half an hour in the Bulgarian Christmas spirit!

You can listen to the full version of this podcast, including the song of the day, on our website at https://bnrnews.bg/en/list/podcast-in-english

In "Bulgaria Today" on Tuesday, 23 December, we bring you, first, the latest news from this country.

Next on the show: the winter traditions of Bulgarians in the Romanian village of Izvoarele. Story by Vladimir Mitev.

And finally in our music slot we’ll hear the song "My Little Christmas", performed by the New Voices Music School.

Stay tuned!

You can listen to the full version of the podcast available on our website at: https://bnrnews.bg/en/list/podcast-in-english

In "Bulgaria Today" on Thursday, 22 December, we bring you, first, the latest news from this country.

Next on the show: Bulgarians stay at home for Christmas and travel internationally for New Year’s Eve. Bulgaria joining the euro zone is not an obstacle, a tourism expert told Radio Bulgaria’s Veneta Nikolova.

And finally in our music slot we’ll hear the song ''Pieces of a Puzzle'' – a new rendition by Maria Mutafchieva and George Strezov.

Stay tuned!

You can listen to the full version of the podcast available on our website at:

Welcome to Bulgaria Today, the English-language podcast of Radio Bulgaria, on December 26, hosted by Kostadin Atanasov.

On the second day of Christmas, Alexander Markov presents an interview with Pavlina Ilieva, chair of the Future for Tourism Association, who tells us about the trips of Bulgarians during the holidays this year and the new trends in travel.

Next, in Highlights of Bulgarians Musical Culture, we present Dimitar Nenov’s Christmas: The first major Bulgarian work dedicated to Christmas.

You can listen to the full version of our podcast on our website at https://bnrnews.bg/en/list/podcast-in-english