SOFIA, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The first Asian festival was held in one of the biggest parks here on Sunday with the aim of showing culture and history unknown to many Bulgarian citizens.
The festival was organized by the joint efforts of the embassies of China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, Palestine, Syria, Thailand, the Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam, and Japan, with the support of Bulgarian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Tourism and Sofia Municipality.
During the 10-hour event, held under the slogan "Asia Close-up," the audience enjoyed culinary, as well as musical and dance performances. Meanwhile, the host embassies provided calligraphy and arts workshops as well as children's games.
Bulgaria's Vice President Iliyana Yotova opened the event, calling it a great feast that shows the magic of Asia.
She said the festival demonstrated the diversity and uniqueness of each of the 12 countries and regions, and also the spirit of each of them.
On behalf of the participating countries and regions, Sri Astari Rasjid, the Indonesian Ambassador to Bulgaria, said the Asian festival was to introduce the rich Asian culture to Bulgaria, and hopefully open new trade opportunities.
