The fifth Asian Festival marking the first International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations was held in Sofia, capital of Bulgaria, on Saturday with the participation of 10 Asian countries including China, featuring cultural exhibitions, culinary experiences, and art performances.
The fifth edition, held under the theme "Unity in Diversity," took place on Saturday in South Park, known in the city as a vibrant and beautiful public leisure area. This year, China was the leading Asian country for the celebrations.
Crowds of local attendees were drawn to the event by the stage performances including music, dances, and martial arts, as well as exhibitions, mini workshops, games, and a variety of cuisines from the participating countries.
Bulgarian Vice President Iliana Iotova said at the opening ceremony that the festival has become "an emblem of friendship and development" and is now an important part of Sofia's cultural calendar.
"This festival is the best remedy for addressing the recent global situation, especially the course of events of the past few days. While the world faces issues and dangers such as division and separation, this festival represents the opposite, conveying messages of friendship, cooperation, and development," she said.
The event attracted over 20,000 visitors, featuring more than 60 booths and over 40 stage performances.
The Chinese exhibition area showcased traditional crafts such as facial masks in Beijing Opera, lanterns, and folding fans, attracting many visitors. Many Bulgarians also experienced Chinese calligraphy and traditional clothing, while also tasting unique Chinese cuisine. Additionally, Bulgarian children performed Chinese songs in Mandarin.
The festival, which started in 2017, was organized with support from the Sofia Municipality and Bulgaria's ministries of tourism and foreign affairs.
Asian Festival held in Sofia to celebrate Int'l Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations
U.S. President Donald Trump posted "Tuesday, 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time!" on social media on Sunday, a message that appeared to signal a possible extension of the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
On March 21, Trump threatened to hit and obliterate Iranian power plants if the country fails to fully open the strait within 48 hours. Two days later, he postponed strikes on power plants for five days, claiming to have held productive conversations with Iran.
On March 26, Trump again pushed the deadline back, saying that he will pause planned strikes on Iranian energy facilities for 10 days, to April 6, the upcoming Monday at 20:00 Eastern Time. On Saturday, Trump reaffirmed that Iran has 48 hours to strike a deal on opening up the strait or face "Hell."
However, in the post on Sunday, Trump appeared to hint at extending the deadline for Iran to reopen the strait for another time.
In a post earlier Sunday, the U.S. president threatened that Tuesday would be "Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one" for Iran, and again urged Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the threats, Trump said on Sunday that he believes a deal can be reached before the deadline, adding that Iran is currently negotiating. If Iran refuses, he said he is considering bombing everything and seizing Iran's oil.
Ali Abdollahi, chief commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, responded Saturday that the Iranian armed forces would not hesitate for a moment to defend the country's rights and protect national assets and will put the aggressors in their place.
Trump also claimed that earlier this year, the U.S. sent weapons to Iranian protesters through the Kurds, though he believes the Kurds took them.
He also said he was very satisfied with a recent operation to rescue the pilot of a U.S. fighter jet that was shot down in Iranian airspace. He said Israel had assisted with the rescue, describing the bilateral relationship as big brother and little brother.
Trump hints at extending deadline for Iran to reopen Strait of Hormuz
