Sofia is once again hosting one of Bulgaria’s largest events devoted to tattoos and alternative culture.
More than 180 artists from Bulgaria and around the world have gathered in Hall 3 of the National Palace of Culture for the 11th edition of Bulgaria Tattoo Expo, taking place this weekend, a BGNES reporter said.
Participants include established Bulgarian tattoo artists as well as international names from Japan, China, the United States, Poland and other countries.
For two days, the National Palace of Culture is bringing together not only professionals and people seeking new tattoos, but also visitors attracted by the music, art, sporting demonstrations and other events in the programme.
One of the special guests is Japanese master Horishige, who works in the tradition of Japanese tattooing and practises tebori — a manual tattooing technique that does not use an electric machine.
Another international participant is Victor Portugal, known for his black-and-grey style combining realism and surrealism with strong contrast, depth and detail.
Chen and Han have travelled from China to Bulgaria for the second time.
In addition to meeting the artists, visitors can watch live tattooing and see how an idea is gradually transformed into an image on the skin.
Among the participants in this year’s event is Umi Lee, who is attending Bulgaria Tattoo Expo for the sixth time.
“I really like the atmosphere of the event because you can meet different artists from all over the world, and the experience is always filled with positive emotions. The tattoo competition is my favourite part because it is very exciting to see your work on a large screen and realise that other people like it too. The programme is extremely varied, and I do not think anyone could become bored,” she told BGNES.
One of the most eagerly anticipated parts of the event is the tattoo competition.
Participants compete in various categories, including monochrome and colour tattoos, avant-garde projects, collaborations and realism, as well as awards for the best work completed during each of the festival’s two days.
The judging is not limited to whether a tattoo simply looks good. The jury considers how closely the chosen style has been followed, how the new work fits with the model’s existing tattoos, and whether the composition and execution sit naturally on the body.
Bulgaria Tattoo Expo, however, has long since expanded beyond the boundaries of a traditional tattoo convention.
Saturday’s music programme featured Tsar Pluh, winner of the Grand Prize in Bulgarian National Radio’s Spring 2025 competition for new Bulgarian pop and rock music with the song “Pogledni Nasam”.
Imera and NDOE are performing on Sunday.
The programme also includes an arm-wrestling tournament, a live acrobatic performance, a chilli-eating contest and body art.
Visitors can also attend a discussion panel with tattoo artists focusing on the profession, the creative process and the development of the industry.
Among the cultural highlights is the presentation of Lyudmil Vasilev’s book “A Brief History of Tattoos”, which traces the development of tattooing as a cultural and artistic phenomenon.
The short film “I Didn’t Help”, dedicated to men’s mental health and featuring a tattoo artist as its main character, will also be screened.
The festival is also encouraging a broader discussion about the profession.
As tattoo culture expands in Bulgaria, hygiene, safety, professional ethics, client care and industry standards are becoming increasingly important.
“Tattoos have long since ceased to be a subculture existing on the margins. They are increasingly part of Bulgarians’ everyday lives and lifestyles — and that changes the responsibility of everyone working in this industry.
“For us, Bulgaria Tattoo Expo is not merely a place where some of the world’s finest artists meet. It is a platform through which we can discuss professionalism and present tattooing as a form of art, culture and personal choice,” the organisers said.
For the public, the simplest way to experience the festival’s atmosphere is to enter Hall 3 of the National Palace of Culture and see up close how works of art that often remain for a lifetime are created on the skin. | BGNES
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