The grande dame of Bulgarian pop music, Yordanka Hristova, will be a special guest at the third Parade of Bulgaria in Chicago on the occasion of May 24th. The parade is yet another act of unprecedented unity of the Bulgarian community, bringing together all Bulgarian schools, folklore and dance ensembles, cultural organizations in one place. This year it will take place on May 19th, Sunday, at the traditional location in the suburb of Elk Grove Village.

The parade starts at 12 o’clock with a manifestation of the Bulgarian children from the southern parking lot of Elk Grove High School (entrance 29) and will continue to the beginning of the nearby Rotary Green Park. There awaits them a stage with an interesting program, a children’s corner, music and dances, delicious food, cold drinks, games, and lots of entertainment for the whole family. Bulgarian businesses and craftsmen will also showcase their products in a special corner in the park.

This year, the organizers have prepared 5 food and beverage tents to avoid queues with a diverse menu for both kids and adults, including wine and beer. The parade is organized by the Bulgarian Association for Exchange of Art and Culture (BACE), the municipality of Elk Grove Village with the patronage of the Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Chicago. The general sponsor this year is Vasil Bayraktarov, owner of the transportation company MGL, with the support of the consulting company Prospect Licensing and Consulting, White Mountain yogurt, Wise Guys Construction, Eurotrans Express, and Des Plaines Eye Care Center. The media partner for the third year is BG VOICE.

Everyone is welcome throughout the day to feel the Bulgarian spirit, meet friends and acquaintances, and enjoy the musical program. On stage, we will once again see songs and dances from the children of Bulgarian schools, folklore ensembles, DJ Mati, and family games with big and interesting prizes. The youngest ones will enjoy games in an inflatable castle.

For the first time on the Parade stage, we will see the singer Flory, whom the Bulgarians in Chicago know well with a program of various Bulgarian and world hits. A special guest this year is Yordanka Hristova. Last year she celebrated 60 years on stage with a big concert in Hall 1 of the National Palace of Culture.