The reception took place in the newly built Norwegian residence in Boyana, an outstanding example of contemporary Norwegian architecture that can be viewed in the May issue of Brava Casa. Despite of the rain, the reception was crowded by representatives of the official Bulgaria where ministers, deputy ministers and foreign ambassadors alike. Several Norwegian national also attended wearing their Norwegian folk costumes traditionally worn on the national day, to the joy of other guests who got to experience a bit of Norwegian traditions on this day.
Earlier that day Norwegian families living in Sofia and the surrounding areas had gathered for a traditional celebration of the national day complete with Norwegian flags, sausages and ice cream. The Bulgarian choir St. Paraskeva joined the Norwegians in singing some Norwegian national songs, like “Ja, vi elsker dette landet” and “Norge i rødt hvitt og blått”. Unfortunately, the rain prevented entertaining competitions as sack race, potato race and tug of war from taking place, however everybody agreed it had been a delightful day.