Every year in late August — early September, the city of Sozopol ( Sozopol ) on the southern Bulgarian Black Sea becomes the cultural center of the entire region — from all over the country and Europe, as well as from Asia and America, fans of all kinds of arts flock here, so as not only to relax under the warm southern sun, but also enjoy the rich cultural program of the festival — Festival of Arts « Apollonia » ( Apollonia Festival of Arts ), which got its name in honor of the god of music and poetry, Apollo.
Along with famous Bulgarian creators, their young colleagues from different countries — artists with their exhibitions, theater groups, classical music and jazz performers, dance troupes, writers and poets perform here.
The festival began in 1984 at the initiative of Professor Dimo Dimov and his Academy of Arts « Apollonia ». The city was not chosen by chance — Sozopol is one of the most beautiful Bulgarian cities with rich cultural traditions. In 1991, the « Apollonia » Foundation was created, which continued the work of the Academy of Arts. These organizations have been implementing a successful cultural policy in Bulgaria for 20 years: they are the organizers of the two most prestigious festivals in the country — of the Spring Music Festival in Sofia and the Art Holidays in Sozopol.
During the festival, which lasts about a week, all the halls, stages and open areas of the city are provided for cultural events. Every evening, a performance, ballet or open-air concert is held on the stage of the theater. Exhibitions are held in the art gallery in the Old Town, and among the paintings, outstanding classical music performers conduct their workshops. During the holidays there is always a place for children's creativity.
In the cultural house « Paisius of Hilandarsky » and in the Archaeological Museum there are poetic relapses and an announcement of new books. The events of the festival are reflected by the Bulgarian media.
Every year, theater and creative groups, classical music performers, jazz groups from different countries take part in the festival. Within the framework of the festival, Panorama of Bulgarian cinema, as well as Children's Apollonia with performances specifically designed for children, are held.