On May 28, an extremely attractive spectacle was shown in the open at the historic Krakra Fortress above the town of Pernik. At sunset, along with the Pernik citizens the show gathered about a hundred guests from the diplomatic missions in Bulgaria specially invited by the municipality and Bulgarian Diplomatic Review magazine. Among them were the British Ambassador H.E. Mr. Jeremy Hill with his wife and son, the ambassadors of Kuwait H.E. Mr. Mohammad Al-Awadhi, of Austria H.E. Mr. Karl Diem, of Poland H.E. Mr. Slawomir Dabrova, Mr. Andrey Grozov – Charge d’Affaires of the Russian Embassy, with his wife and son, Mr. Andrey Avdeev – Second Secretary of the Russian Embassy, Mr. Franz Vitko – Minister-Councillor at the Embassy of Belarus, Prof. Ela Andreevna – Judge at the Constitutional Court of Belarus, Mr. Emil Jakonte – Minister-Councillor at the Embassy of Moldova, Mr. Corneliu Ionel from the Embassy of Romania, representatives of the trade representation of Russia, members of the International Women’s Club, MPs and many guests from the diplomatic and the VIP circles.

Most of the guests came with their families. More than an hour and a half they sat charmed and fascinated by the magic of the scenery and the stage. The wonderful performance of the actors amidst the fortress walls, which provided natural and unique sets, the interesting plot, the colourful costumes, the moving Bulgarian folk songs as though springing from the earth depths, the fire of the torches and the mass scenes were an unforgettable experience.

Before the show, the guests saw the Pernik museums of history and of mining.

The special edition of Bulgarian Diplomatic Review, containing curious and useful information about the sights in the territory of Pernik Municipality, was presented. “Pernik – the Town of Krakra” – history, culture and traditions in Pernik Municipality.

Krakra of Pernik was a district governor in the western Bulgarian lands in the 11th c. He was semi-sovereign and ruled over 35 other fortresses and had his own troops. Byzantine chronicles of the period describe him as an eminent boyar and ruler of the town in the time of the Bulgarian Tsar Samuil. It is known that the medieval fortress on Krakra hill put up the greatest resistance to the Byzantine expansion and was the last to fall.

The Municipal Theatre of Pernik staged the show “Krakra” in 2003 in the homonymous historic locality, which has preserved the spirit of the millennial settlement. Over 60 people participate in the show – from the professional theatrical company, amateur ensembles, David horse base, etc.