18th International Youth Festival - contest of Arts "Muzite" (The Muses)

The international youth festival of arts "Muzite" ("The Muses") is a vibrant and diverse celebration of artistic talent, showcasing various art disciplines such as dance, music, theatre, fine arts, crafts, fiction, and film. Held annually from the 5th to the 15th of July in the charming town of Sozopol, Bulgaria, "Muzite" not only attracts participants from Bulgaria but has also hosted participants from 28 different countries. This makes it one of the largest youth events in Eastern Europe, serving as a platform for artistic growth and cross-cultural exchange.

The festival, which offers free admission for participants and audience members, holds a significant place in the cultural programme of Sozopol and the calendar of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria. This year the festival will mark its 18th edition. Participants in the festival come from various backgrounds, including schools of arts, academies, art clubs, studios, children's and youth centers. Furthermore, the festival actively engages local young talents, such as interns from the National High School of Precised Technics and Optics in 2023, who contributed their expertise in video editing.

At the heart of the festival lies its esteemed international contest jury, composed of renowned scholars from the Bulgarian Academy of Science, distinguished faculty from prestigious international universities, acclaimed artists, directors of renowned festivals, and managers of art associations. This distinguished panel, along with past winners of the Grand Prize across different artistic disciplines, ensures the maintenance of the highest standards of artistic excellence. Their feedback and recognition serve to enrich the cultural landscape of Bulgaria and extend its influence beyond its borders.