Civic Alarm Clock 2025: Awakening through art, rights and green ideas!
Are you ready for yet another groundbreaking, inspiring and (alarmingly) awakening edition of the most artistic festival in Sofia? Civic Alarm Clock 2025 is knocking on your door! August 30th, in the heart of the South Park in Sofia (see the exact location on the map), we will erupt with a day full of art, rights, and nature – for the fifth year in a row and with a free spirit and entry!
The festival is a unique cultural adventure which brings young artists, human rights advocates, eco-activists and all kinds of active and engaged changemakers in one place and in one artistic blend of paints, words, music and causes. This is not simply an event – this is an open lesson in democracy enriched with artistic flair and legal messages that spark the imagination and provoke thought. And this year our collaboration with The Rivers of Sofia continues!
Here is what awaits you:
- workshops with artists and legal experts,
- games for kids and grown-ups alike,
- book-themed challenges, ancient stories and rhythms,
- animated characters taking a stance,
- an exhibition full of take-home messages,
- a lot of inspiration for personal activism!
We will transform our favourite around Perlovska River (South Park, Nishava entrance) in a stage for bright minds and big hearts. Save the date: August 30th 2025 from 10 am until 7 pm.
You may be asking yourself: What are we going to be doing during the day of the festival? Here is what:
- 10 artistic and educational workshops – we will draw, take photos, tell stories with words and paintings
- Civic games and meetings with legal experts – we will learn about our rights and how to defend them in a fun and interactive way
- Eco activities and zero-waste art – because recycling can be beautiful, too!
- Circles of community, rhythm, and associating – together we will create a shared pulse of beat, movement, and breath, where differences don’t divide us but connect us
- Hands on science experiments – we will discover the world of bees and the secrets of urban biodiversity
- A mobile exhibition with take-home posters – we will explore emblematic works from Civic Alarm Clock competition and pick up a message of activism to keep as a fond memory; one that we can share at home, in the office or at the neighbourhood bus stop.
A half of the whole program will be led by young artists from the community of the Civic Alarm Clock (with more than 620 authors up until now!), and the other – from environmental and legal experts of civic organisations. That’s right – beauty and knowledge go hand in hand! They will demonstrate in a fun way how the use of natural and earthy materials can enrich our beloved urban spaces and can popularise a balanced use of natural resources.
See which activities you definitely should not pass on:
The atelier for animation films with Tanya Bojinova
If you have ever dreamt of your hand-made toys being able to give you a little wink, to start dancing or flying … Well, Tanya Bozhinova will show you exactly how this can happen! In her workshop for animation, you will enter the world of movement frame by frame. Suitable for kids and young artists that want to tell stories about preserving the urban nature in a magical way. Tanya Bozhinova has been awarded many times for her socially engaged illustrations in the Civic Alarm Clock competition, about which she recounted in her 2022 and 2023 interviews.
Photo: Denislav Stoychev for “Civic Alarm Clock” Festival 2024
Atelier “We Are the Hero – visual stories of Good” with Neli Ivanova
She is the winner in the “Illustration” category of the Civic Alarm Clock 2024 edition for her work “The city and its clothes”. Neli Ivanova is coming to show us how superheroes come to life … with a pencil in hand and kindness in heart! In Neli’s atelier we will not only be drawing superheroes, but we will also be creating squads of at least three that unite powers to fight against injustice. Why in three? Because together we are stronger, and superpowers are best when combined in a team!
With Neli’s mentorship every child participating in the atelier will be walked through the steps of the creative process:
- to invent and draw its own heroes of Good
- to master their superpowers (and how to use them in style)
- to form each and every character’s character and identity.
Besides the fact that she is a genius illustrator, Neli will also share how visual stories are created, how characters are brought to life, and how every kid can be an artist with a heart.
Illustration by Neli Ivanova – part of the “Activism in Action: the Power to Save Urban Nature” 2024 exhibition
One-on-one portfolio review meeting sessions with Denislav Stoychev
You are a fan of taking photos, but you aren’t sure if you are on the right path? Bring your shots (photos can be on paper, flash drive or laptop) and book a meeting with Denislav Stoychev – a master of documentary photography and three – time award winner in the “Civic Alarm Clock” contest for socially engaged art in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Throughout the festival Denislav will carry out five short sessions (each up to 20 minutes long) during which you will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your shots, and he will also give you advice about composition and light, crafting narratives and visual expression.
Perfect for hobbyists that want to capture in photos people’s stories, causes, the everyday spirit and the street. Suitable also for photographers, wanting to gain a new perspective on their work as well as reach a higher level in their artistic development.
Photo: Aylin Yumerova for “Civic Alarm Clock” Festival 2024
Cyanotype workshop with Stefan Kamenov
Photography but not quite as we know it! Cyanotype is one of the oldest technics in photography and is one that uses the power of the sun. We will make photograms with natural materials, and we will watch as blue magic happens before our very eyes. Visual artist Stefan Kamenovwill guide us into this analog world, where everything is possible.
Photo: Denislav Stoychev for “Civic Alarm Clock” Festival 2024
Creative circle of ancient tales, legends, and rhythm that awakens the spirit of community
Lie back on the grass and let go! Open your eyes and breathe slowly! Listen closely to nature’s language! Open your mind and dive into a river of words!
Welcome to the Circle – a place where stories don’t just get told but come to life! Where rhythm speaks, words heal, and dance follows your heart!
In the tradition of the West African Jeli from the Mandeng culture, history has been sung and played for generations – with voice, drum, and body. The Jeli don’t just preserve the past – they ignite it in the present, shaping the future through the wisdom of their ancestors. Among the Lakota people, storytelling is a sacred ritual – where words, earth, fire, and spirit come together and are experienced as one. Stories aren’t simply passed down — they come alive in the body of the community.
In this workshop, Deyan Petrov – Ditzata (“Dizzy Grooves”) and Krasimir Kostov (“The Seven Directions”) will weave together these two ancient, yet very much alive traditions into one shared journey. We will step into parables and legends, move our bodies along the threads of the story, and give voice to our own inner memory. But listening is just the beginning – we’ll share, connect, and feel. And then we will dive into rhythm. Together, we’ll create a pulse of beat, movement, and breath – where our differences don’t divide us, but bring us closer. (And who knows – maybe, just maybe, a tiny little miracle will happen…)
This is an invitation to be – part of the freedom to listen, to express, and to belong.
Photo: Dizzy Grooves / Rhythm workshop
Creative circle for African rhythms with Foli Ba – the pulse that unite and brings us together
As the sun rolls gently toward the horizon and silence embraces the evening, it’s time to hear the heartbeat of the Earth – through the rhythms of West African drums.
With the percussion group Foli Ba, led by Deyan Petrov – Ditzata (Dizzy Grooves), we will step into the magic of ancient rhythms – carriers of peace, community, wisdom, and love. We’ll learn, we’ll play, and we’ll feel how every sound becomes a thread that connects our hearts, awakening a spirit of freedom, creation, and togetherness.
Dance will be an inseparable part of the Circle – movement that expresses joy, freedom, and a deep connection to rhythm and every sound will come from traditional, handcrafted West African instruments, carrying the spirit of generations. This Circle isn’t just about music – it’s a living space where rhythm heals, unites, and inspires. Come join us – and become part of the pulse of life.
Photo: Denislav Stoychev for “Civic Alarm Clock” Festival 2024
“The Awake Rooster” civic learning game
Our rights aren’t found in textbooks – we discover them in games!
The team from the Bulgarian Center for Non-Profit Law will lead a civic-education game where the youngest of explorers will embark on a mission to discover their civil rights. Through the amazing adventures of the Awake Rooster, they will learn how to stand up for their rights – and most importantly, how to join forces for good causes.
We’ll also have a special exhibition and a legal corner with BCNL lawyers, where you will have the opportunity to ask all the burning questions you’ve always had about organizing peaceful protests, submitting petitions, or writing statements to institutions.
Photo: Denislav Stoychev for “Civic Alarm Clock” Festival 2024
Book challenges at Knigovishthe’s outdoor library and the news from “Vizhte”
Love for books begins with play! In our outdoor library, we’ll read children’s books, pick out favorite words, and have fun while growing our core cultural knowledge, civic literacy, and critical thinking! The teams from Knigovishthe and Vizhte.bg will lead the little ones on an amazing book adventure which we are sure will end in a personal victory: “I love reading!” Knigovishthe is an educational reading-comprehension game platform and home to the first online kids’ media Vizhte.bg – news for children that translates the events from the grown-up’s world into a kid – friendly language.
Photo: Denislav Stoychev for “Civic Alarm Clock” Festival 2024
Natural science activities: “Chemical and biological experiments lab” and a “colourful seed bombs” workshop
Do you know what bees and we have in common? The right to live in a clean and healthy urban environment. That’s why, from morning ‘till afternoon, we will dedicate two of our creative sessions to these amazing pollinators. At the start of the festival day, we’ll set up a lab for chemical and biological experiments on cryopreservation of genetic material from honeybees. What this process is all about and why it’s crucial for protecting our environment will be explained by Lead Associate Professor Dr. Tsvetan Tsvetkov from the Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction “Acad. K. Bratanov” – BAS, and founder of the natural science foundation “Bee Safe,” who will lead this engaging scientific workshop.
Photo: Bee Safe Foundation
In the afternoon, we will join forces with conservationist Petar Vanev from the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation to create colourful seed bombs that will help build a new home for hardworking bees. We’ll mix the right ingredients, shape small balls, and let them dry. Then, we’ll “bomb” a favourite spot in the city or nearby that we want to beautify and enrich. “Seed bombs” are an ancient farming method dating back to Ancient Egypt, when people packed seeds in clay to protect them from insects. Even the lightest rain helps the “bomb” burst open, allowing beautiful, fragrant plants to sprout.
Photo: Panayot Zhelyazkov for “Civic Alarm Clock” Festival 2023
Creative Studio “Advocates for Tailed Friends”
Our tailed friends will also be joining the event! Together with the Band of 1500 we’ll be talking about myths and urban legends surrounding stray animals. And each of you can become a true advocate for animal rights by stepping in front of our festival studio camera and sharing your video message with the world.
Products with cause of DarPazar
At the DarPazar stand, you’ll find a colourful diversity of products with cause created by Bulgarian social enterprises. At DarPazar’s booth you will find amazing gifts for kids and adults alike. From clothing, accessories, and leather goods to board games, educational toys, cosmetics, culinary treats, and even beer — you’ll be amazed by how many meaningful creations come from this community of brave social entrepreneurs in Bulgaria.
Photo: Denislav Stoychev for “Civic Alarm Clock” Festival 2024
Civic Alarm Clock doesn’t just bring people together – it wakes them up. With a free spirit, a cause in their hearts, and a brush or megaphone in hand. Over the past four years, we’ve gathered more than 1,900 people who turned art into a powerful tool for change.
This year, be one of them! Follow us here on the website and on social media for details and the full program. Because art can be an alarm clock – not just ringing but shaking things up!
Photo: Denislav Stoychev for “Civic Alarm Clock” Festival 2024
The festival event is organized by the Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law with the financial support of the America for Bulgaria Foundation.
The 2025 Civic Alarm Clock Festival for Art and Rights is part of the Summer Program in the Cultural Events Calendar of the Sofia Municipality for 2025.
The festival is also part of a series of events promoting cross-sector partnerships and engagement with local communities through the CSOs Summit, co-financed by the European Union under the BIRDS in BG project.
Partners of this initiative are The Rivers of the City and The Collective Foundation. The media partner is Bulgarian National Radio.
The statements and opinions expressed in this invitation are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the America for Bulgaria Foundation.
The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and the partners implementing the BIRDS in BG project and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.