Traditionally, the second evening of the festival of tangible and intangible art “White Nights of Razgrad 2026” took place in the captivating atmosphere of the Abritus archaeological reserve.
The events were excellently organized by the Razgrad Municipality and the Regional History Museum. The Panagyurishte Gold Treasure from the Thracian heritage, widely known outside of Bulgaria for its uniqueness, was exhibited in the hall of the Interactive Museum. It was discovered by chance in 1949 by the three Deykovi brothers not far from Panagyurishte, dated to 400 BC. The set consists of 9 vessels with a total weight of 6.164 kg – seven rhytons, one phial and an amphora, made of pure gold and richly decorated with mythological figures and elements. It is assumed that it was made in the 4th or early 3rd century BC. The treasure was provided to RHM-Razgrad by the Historical Museum-Panagyurishte for exhibition during the “White Nights of Razgrad 2026”.
The interest in the treasure during this year’s “White Nights” was incredible. The influx of people wishing to view it and learn more began at 4:00 p.m. and continued until late in the evening. Visitors included many children, groups of students, and a number of pensioner clubs. The treasure was also viewed by heads of state and municipal institutions. The regional governor, Aylin Basheva, was among the first to view it. She was welcomed by the director of the Regional History Museum, Tanya Todorova, who provided full information about the Thracian unique item. Ms. Basheva shared that she was delighted with the idea of the Panagyurishte gold treasure being exhibited for viewing in the Razgrad museum.
The Mayor of Razgrad Dobrin Dobrev also viewed the exhibition, and Deputy Mayor Elka Nedelcheva was among the first visitors. The museum director Tanya Todorova and archaeologist Dr. Vladimir Bekov, assistant professor at the University of Veliko Tarnovo, numismatist, curator at RHM-Razgrad, were available to Razgrad residents for detailed information about the treasure.
They introduced those interested to the various scientific theses and assumptions of eminent Bulgarian scientists regarding the origin of the Panagyurishte golden treasure, with curious moments about its discovery, with data on its uniqueness as a Thracian unique item.
The Interactive Museum also had exciting experiences for children and teenagers near the exhibits, where they learned about coin making, puzzles, and antique clothing.
The interest in the Interactive Museum was particularly great in the evening hours, when the residents and guests of Razgrad awaited the concert planned in the rich program amidst the magnetic historical atmosphere of the Abritus Fortress.
In the evening hours, the City Cheerleading Squad at the Children’s Center for Children’s Development presented a light show and fire dances. The second white night ended with a concert by Papi Hans and the fireworks, and with a wonderful memory for all who participated in the events of the “White Nights 2026”.
