As part of Interreg Cooperation Day, celebrated every year on 21 September, the Interreg IPA Bulgaria–Türkiye Programme hosted a series of events in Harmanlı to celebrate the shared heritage of the two neighbouring countries.
The celebrations began in the early hours of the day in the historic village of Mezek. Institutions that have implemented projects under both the current and previous periods of the Programme came together in this small yet culturally rich village for a journey of cultural exploration.
Later, the participants moved to Harmanlı, where the first stop was the Harmanlı History Museum. There, visitors had the opportunity to discover the city’s past, traditional crafts, and archaeological findings.
Following the museum visit, a group photo was taken on the Humpback Bridge located in Dimana Daneva Park. This symbolic moment represented the bridges of friendship built between the two countries.
The main celebration of Interreg Cooperation Day took place at the festival area set up in Dimana Daneva Park. The annually held traditional “Na Harmana” Festival hosted the Interreg IPA Bulgaria–Türkiye Programme this year.
The festival, known for its rich cultural content, brought together handicrafts, folklore, dance, and local delicacies, providing a perfect setting for the celebration of Interreg Cooperation Day.
Interreg Celebrates 35 Years, Interreg IPA Bulgaria–Türkiye Programme Marks Its 22nd Anniversary
Interreg Cooperation Day, formerly known as European Cooperation Day, was celebrated this year under a shared theme by all Interreg programmes. The 35th anniversary of Interreg Programmes was the focal point of the celebrations. In this context, the Interreg IPA Bulgaria–Türkiye Programme joined the celebrations with an event held in Dimana Daneva Park in Harmanlı, where two previously funded projects had been implemented. The choice of this location was also a meaningful tribute to the Programme’s 22 year long journey.
Throughout the festival, an Interreg information tent was set up and various interactive activities, exhibitions, and workshops were held for visitors. The festival’s theme, Interreg Guardian of Traditions, was reflected through cross-border crafts, culinary heritage, music, and the Interreg Info Corner.
In addition to Bulgarian and Turkish stakeholders of the Programme, folk dance groups, artisans, and traditional culinary representatives from Türkiye also enriched the festival with their vibrant contributions.
At the Interreg Info Corner, maps, videos, and photographs about the Programme were displayed. Visitors took photos with a “I Celebrated Interreg’s 35th Anniversary!” selfie frame and shared them on social media to win surprise gifts.
One of the tastiest highlights of the day was the traditional food presentations. Participants had the chance to taste local dishes and even take part in the kneading and cooking processes to experience traditional methods firsthand.
Through this inclusive event, the aim was to connect the concepts of cultural exchange, shared heritage, and cross-border cooperation with local traditions.
Interreg Cooperation Day once again demonstrated how Bulgaria and Türkiye are not only geographically close but also culturally connected.
This meaningful day stood as a shining example of working together, sharing, and fostering intercultural friendship, leaving a lasting impression on all who took part