DARA, representing Bulgaria, the winner of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, holds the trophy during the Grand Final in Vienna, Austria, on May 17, 2026. [Lisa Leutner/Reuters]
The Black Sea city of Burgas in Bulgaria has been selected to host the Eurovision Song Contest in May next year, the show’s organisers said on Thursday.
Bulgaria won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time in May in a final overshadowed by five countries boycotting the event over Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, claiming a dramatic victory despite another big public vote for Israel that again secured it second place.
The garish and usually good-natured competition involving pop acts from countries across Europe and beyond, heading into its 71st year in 2027, was plunged into crisis by the dispute over Gaza.
Arena Burgas, in Bulgaria’s fourth-largest city, will welcome thousands of fans from around the world for the live show, which will be watched by millions of people, the European Broadcasting Union said. Burgas, known for its beaches and cultural life, was chosen over the capital Sofia because of its accommodation, venue capacity and overall vision to transform the city for the contest, the EBU said.
