Bulgarian officials announced last week that the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Burgas, a Black Sea port city of 200,000 people. This decision has come as a surprise to many, including Bulgarian singer Dara, who won the 2026 contest in May.
Dara, who became the first Bulgarian to win Eurovision, expressed her surprise to the Guardian, stating, “I am really surprised.” She added her trust in Bulgarian National Television (BNT) to produce the show, believing if they chose Burgas, it is likely the better option.
Sofia, the capital and international hub, was widely considered the obvious choice among the four largest cities that applied to host. The preference for Burgas, Bulgaria’s fourth-largest city, has been a topic of discussion across the country, with some residents expressing disappointment and scepticism about Burgas's capacity to host such a large event.
Burgas, located on the southern Black Sea coast, is home to Bulgaria’s second-largest port and has an established tourism industry. Preparations for the grand final have reportedly begun around Arena Burgas, a 15,000-capacity concert hall completed in 2023. The city's airport has also stated its readiness for an increased passenger flow.
The mayor of Burgas, Dimitar Nikolov, expressed his honour at the city's selection, thanking BNT and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) for the opportunity to showcase Bulgaria. Prime Minister Rumen Radev also voiced his belief that Burgas will represent Bulgaria with dignity.