Alternative Chavdar

In December 2025, The Christmas Village of Bulgaria in Chavdar opens a new chapter in its cultural story. Alongside the familiar festive atmosphere, the event expands with a bold new dimension – a second stage, located behind the municipality building, dedicated to contemporary, curated and artistically daring music. This is where the first edition of “Alternative Chavdar” will take place – an initiative inspired by the philosophy and spirit of Station Street Festival from Plovdiv.

More than a simple extension of the program, Alternative Chavdar is a conscious cultural statement. It introduces a new line within the celebration – one that does not oppose tradition and modernity, but places them in dialogue. The independent urban music scene meets the warmth of Christmas lights, creating an experience that broadens expectations and enriches the holiday spirit.

More than music: an idea on the move

Alternative Chavdar carries the values of contemporary cultural curation – a carefully selected lineup, artistic courage and a clear identity. It marks the beginning of the alternative strand of Station Street Festival, a concept that steps outside its usual setting and begins to travel, creating new cultural spaces and encounters.

At its core lies the idea of a more conscious and responsible festival experience. Throughout both evenings, shared travel will be encouraged as a sustainable way of getting to the event. Visitors who choose this option will receive symbolic rewards – reusable festival bottles – as a step toward reducing single-use plastic. A small gesture with a clear message: culture can also be an act of care.

The musical journey

December 26 & 27, 2025

December 26 – urban energy and festive rhythm

The first evening will lead the audience through vibrant city energy and artistic experimentation.
Kottarashky Sando & Wladigeroff Brothers will open the stage with a soundscape of electronic pulses, Balkan motifs and jazz improvisations – music that paints images and carries a strong authorial signature.

They will be followed by WickedA, a band that for more than two decades has been synonymous with a distinctive style, infectious rhythms and an unmistakable stage presence, turning the space into a true celebration.

December 27 – depth, expression and international dialogue

The second evening will dive into deeper, more expressive and artistically charged musical worlds.
Taraleshta will bring their eclectic and boldly experimental approach, blending ethno influences, electronics, jazz and a uniquely Bulgarian musical character.

The night will culminate with Foltin from North Macedonia – an internationally acclaimed band known for its theatrical, free-form and at times surreal approach to performance. Their presence highlights the exchange between cultures and adds an international accent to the festive atmosphere.

Image by Dimitar Dimitrov on Unsplash

The spirit of “Alternative”

Here, “alternative” is not a genre label, but a way of experiencing music. It stems from the freedom of the independent scene and naturally finds its place within the environment of the Christmas Village of Bulgaria. Alternative Chavdar invites audiences to see December in a new light – through artistic expressions that spark imagination, bring people together and build upon tradition rather than replacing it.

What residents and visitors can expect

Guests of Chavdar will enjoy two evenings that combine the cozy holiday setting with artistically curated content chosen with care and character. The new stage is integrated in a way that preserves the spirit of the Christmas Village of Bulgaria, while offering additional experiences and a compelling reason to visit.

Alternative Chavdar is expected to attract not only local audiences, but also visitors from Sofia, Plovdiv and other cities – people seeking a modern musical perspective and meaningful cultural experiences during the holiday season.

Program — Alternative Chavdar 2025

December 26

• Kottarashky Sando & Wladigeroff Brothers – 16:30
• WickedA – 18:00

December 27

• Taraleshta – 16:30
• Foltin (North Macedonia) – 18:00

Alternative Chavdar is an invitation to a new kind of experience – music, ideas and energy that add another layer to the celebration and turn Chavdar into a stage for contemporary culture at the most magical time of the year.

The event is funded as part of the project “Support for Local Cultural Policies in Chavdar Municipality” BG-RRP-11.022-0028 under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, created with financial support in the amount of EUR 199,846.40 from the European Union – NextGenerationEU. Full responsibility for the content lies with Chavdar Municipality, and under no circumstances should it be considered to reflect the official views of the European Union or the National Culture Fund.