Hundreds of fans waving Bulgarian flags gathered at Sofia’s Vasil Levski Airport on Sunday to welcome Eurovision winner Dara home after Bulgaria’s first victory in the contest.
The 27-year-old singer arrived smiling and holding the Eurovision trophy after her win in Vienna with the dance anthem ‘Bangaranga’.
Several Bulgarian television channels interrupted their regular schedules to broadcast her arrival live.
Dara, whose real name is Darina Yotova, said the success should remind people to support Bulgarian artists and creative industries. Fans at the airport described the victory as emotional and long overdue.
Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev was among the officials at the airport. Terziev said that the capital city is ready to host the next edition of the European song contest in 2027 when Bulgaria will mark the 20th anniversary of joining the European Union.