Why is a volunteer camp with over 150 people being held at Historical Park?

A large-scale volunteer camp brings together over 150 people from across the country in their efforts to maintain Historical Park despite systematic institutional pressure and the neglect of cultural and historical heritage.

Reasons behind the unprecedented volunteer action

Radoslav Ivanov points out that the current camp gathers a record number of participants, significantly exceeding previous actions, which included a maximum of 75 people. Maintaining the vast territory of Historical Park requires enormous resources, and hiring professional landscapers for the labor-intensive work among thorns and bushes is extremely expensive.

The organizer explains that a major obstacle to the normal operation of the complex is the deliberate economic blockade. Institutions impose successive financial restrictions that block operations and make it impossible even to recover value-added tax from regular purchases of supplies. This situation provokes a strong reaction among citizens from across Bulgaria, who dedicate their days off to cleaning the area and preventing the park from becoming overgrown.

Expansion of the network and creation of a new organization

The joint physical work creates a favorable environment for social interaction, where participants exchange ideas and build new connections. Detelina Parusheva and Radoslav Ivanov note that young people without previous experience take leadership of groups of 15 people, which helps them develop organizational skills and confidence.

Civic energy is transforming into a long-term initiative with the following key directions:

• Establishment of an official association "The Volunteers of Historical Park".
• Organizing restoration campaigns for monuments in different settlements following requests from local municipalities.
• Expected attraction of up to 1,000 participants in upcoming camps by the end of the year.

Radoslav Ivanov expresses confidence that this process of civic unification is irreversible and that people already possess the necessary experience to organize similar events in their hometowns.

Hypocrisy in state tourism policy

Detelina Parusheva draws attention to the paradoxical behavior of the state apparatus. Institutions declare the need to develop cultural tourism and send Ilin Dimitrov to Japan to promote it, while at the same time applying "cancel culture" toward Historical Park in an attempt to erase its existence. The organizer recalls that in 2022 Dimitrov personally visited the complex to present an award, while currently the state completely ignores the site.

Ivanov emphasizes that officials have nothing truly meaningful to show foreign tourists, as natural and historical sites such as Pobiti Kamani and Aladzha Monastery are not being developed. In complete contrast, Historical Park attracts Americans, Swedes, and foreign billionaires, who gladly spend their money in the country. Ivanov adds that the park offers an experience that can successfully compete with prestigious global locations such as the Swedish open-air museum Skansen.

Contrast between state monuments and Historical Park

Detelina Parusheva firmly states that Historical Park does not aim to compete with the authentic cultural sites in the country, but exists to complement them. She expresses disappointment with the careless attitude of the state toward its own landmarks.

Parusheva calls on state institutions at least not to obstruct the park's work if they do not wish to help it. According to her, the modern complex attracts the interest of demanding contemporary tourists who, after visiting it, feel the desire to explore authentic historical locations throughout Bulgaria as well, such as the tomb in Pomorie or the actual remains in Balchik.