News - USA, Chicago, Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria

The Fifth Parade of Bulgaria in Chicago Once Again United the Community for May 24.

The Bulgarian community in Chicago once again filled the streets of Elk Grove Village with Bulgarian flags, traditional folk costumes, and festive spirit during the Fifth Parade of Bulgaria. Dedicated to Bulgarian culture, language, and traditions, the event has established itself as one of the largest Bulgarian celebration outside the borders of Bulgaria.

Thousands of Bulgarians from the Chicago area and across the Midwest took part in the parade and concert program, jointly organized by the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Chicago and the Village of Elk Grove Village. According to the organizers, more than 5,000 participants and visitors attended throughout the day.

The celebration began with a festive procession of Bulgarian schools, cultural organizations, folklore ensembles, and dance clubs. Children dressed in traditional costumes carried letters from the Bulgarian alphabet and portraits of Saints Cyril and Methodius. The young participants also congratulated Bulgarian singer Dara on her Eurovision performance by dancing to her song “Bangaranga.”

“For five years now, the Parade of Bulgaria has represented an unprecedented act of unity within the Bulgarian community,” said Svetoslav Stankov, Consul General of Bulgaria in Chicago. According to him, the event has become a symbol of the preserved Bulgarian spirit across the ocean.

As in previous years, Bulgarian schools were at the heart of the celebration. Students recited poetry, performed Bulgarian songs, and demonstrated that even far from their homeland, the Bulgarian language and traditions continue to be passed on to future generations.

One of the highlights of the program was the participation of students from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where Bulgarian language studies have resumed after nearly a 30-year interruption. Lecturer Dr. Iliyana Dimitrova shared that interest in Bulgarian studies has been exceptionally strong and that students are proud to have the opportunity to study Bulgarian at the university. Consul General Svetoslav Stankov added that in less than a year, 18 students have already completed courses in Bulgarian studies, and Bulgarian has become the third most popular language in the Department of Slavic Studies after Russian and Polish.

A special guest at this year’s edition was Orlin Goranov. The popular performer met with members of the community and delivered a concert that became one of the most emotional moments of the celebration.

“We are Bulgarians with a capital ‘B.’ We still have so much to give to the world,” the singer told the audience. He emphasized that Bulgarians in Chicago maintain a strong connection to their homeland and carry Bulgaria in their hearts.

The Parade of Bulgaria was first organized five years ago at the initiative of Consul General Svetoslav Stankov with the goal of uniting Bulgarian organizations and presenting Bulgarian culture to the American public. Today, the event is recognized as one of the most significant manifestations of the Bulgarian diaspora in North America.