157 authors at the Asen Raztsvetnikov literary competition

The seventh Asen Raztsvetnikov National Literary Competition attracted 166 works by 157 authors from Bulgaria and abroad. The results were announced on 26 October by the organisers in Gorna Oryahovitsa. Participants competed in poetry and prose in separate age groups.

Young poet Dalia Svilenova Nacheva from Svishtov received second prize for her work A Memory of the Sky. No first prize was awarded for poetry in the 14–19 age group, according to RegNews.

In prose, young writer Aleksandra Shumkova from Veliko Tarnovo shared third prize for Empty Hands, Full Memories. Among authors over 19, first prize in prose went to Dimitar Denchev Kostov from Sofia.

The largest number of entries came from authors over the age of 19: 84 poems and 49 short stories and essays. The jury reviewed 18 poems and 15 prose works by younger writers.

The competition was organised by the Asen Raztsvetnikov Literary Club and the Napredak 1869 community centre with support from Gorna Oryahovitsa Municipality. Writer and editor Mirolyub Vlahov from Lyaskovets was among the judges. The awards highlight young authors from the region alongside participants from across the country.

Sources: RegNews, 26 October 2026; Napredak 1869 community centre — official announcement of the winners.

Illustrative photograph of writing: Aaron Burden / Unsplash (Unsplash License). It does not show the entrants or the award ceremony.