Burgas has officially entered the conversation over where Eurovision 2027 should take place after Bulgaria's historic victory in Vienna. Mayor Dimitar Nikolov publicly declared that the seaside city wants to host the contest, despite expectations that Sofia could become the frontrunner.
?I know Sofia will be a great host, but I declare Burgas's categorical desire to host,? Nikolov wrote on Facebook. ?We will do our best to make it perfect. And it will be.? He added that DARA's Eurovision triumph would have consequences far beyond the competition itself, describing her success as ?a modern fairy tale for young people - no matter how difficult it is, never give up.?
The debate over the host city began immediately after Bulgaria secured its first Eurovision victory. During a press conference in Vienna, Bulgarian National Television Director General Milena Milotinova said Sofia was preparing for the possibility of staging the event next year. Under Eurovision rules, the winning country receives hosting rights, but the final decision on the host city is made separately and does not automatically go to the capital.
Varna, DARA's hometown, has also entered public discussion, although city authorities have not formally announced a bid. Before the grand final, Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev publicly backed the singer, writing: ?Varna supports its own. DARA represents not only Bulgaria, but the spirit and energy of a new generation of Bulgarian talent.? Metropolitan Nahum of Ruse also congratulated the performer after the victory.
Culture Minister Evtim Miloshev said the result did not surprise him, arguing that DARA's song and stage performance had already generated strong momentum before the final. ?This is ultimately a song contest,? he said in an interview with BNT. ?Talent, emotion and the artist DARA were what mattered for this result.?
Miloshev praised the singer, her creative team and Bulgarian National Television, saying the success would significantly increase international attention toward modern Bulgarian culture. He described the Eurovision victory as ?a fantastic and unforgettable night? and stressed that such achievements help unite Bulgarians both inside and outside the country.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev also reacted shortly after the win, calling it ?a Bulgarian victory with global resonance.? In a Facebook post, he wrote that DARA had overcome ?all complex considerations and prejudices of the voting? through talent and professionalism. ?DARA is yet another proof that Bulgaria can win,? the prime minister added, concluding with the message: ?Bulgaria awaits Europe and the world at Eurovision 2027.?
