Bulgaria kicked off its annual International Kite Festival Via Pontica at the weekend. It was the event's fifth year at the beach in Varvara and sixth in Sinemorets.

The festival follows the ancient bird migration route along the Black Sea coast—from Sinemorets in the south to Shabla in the north.

Giant kites in the shapes of bears, tigers, ladybugs, birds, and in particular octopuses fill the skies, while international clubs and aerial artists showcase their latest creations.

Beyond the spectacle, the event also carries a message of protecting birds and their habitats, mirroring the migration route that inspires its name.

Visitors enjoy creative workshops, live music, and sports kite demonstrations.

The festival spans six locations over two weeks and concludes on September 7, 2025 in Shabla, Bulgaria.

AP video shot by: Valentina Petrova