General Meeting – Hotel Balkan
The Bulgarian-Greek Chamber of Commerce and Industry Celebrated the Traditional Vasilopita Ceremony in Sofia
On January 26, 2026, a festive event organized by the Bulgarian-Greek Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BGCCI) took place at Hotel Balkan in Sofia, marking the traditional cutting of the Greek New Year’s cake Vasilopita, a symbol of health, prosperity, and business success in the New Year.
In accordance with Greek tradition, every organization in Greece celebrates the beginning of the year with the Vasilopita ceremony, wishing good fortune and successful business. By organizing this event in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian-Greek Chamber of Commerce and Industry once again reaffirmed its mission to strengthen economic and institutional ties between Bulgaria and Greece.
The event began with a General Assembly of the Chamber’s members, followed by the festive part, attended by numerous official guests. Among them were H.E. Mr. Marios Liberopoulos, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to Bulgaria; Mr. Dimitrios Skalkos, Secretary General for International Economic Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic; Mr. Georgios Kremlis, EPLO Ambassador for Bulgaria; Mr. Sergey Stanishev, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria (2005–2009); Mr. Metodi Metodiev, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Bulgaria; Mr. Solomon Passy, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria; Mr. Tsvetan Simeonov, President of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mr. Ivaylo Simeonov, Mayor of Elin Pelin, together with his spouse Mrs. Maria Simeonova, as well as senior representatives of Bulgarian and Greek institutions, municipalities, universities, European financial organizations, mixed chambers, and business associations.
The ceremonial cutting of the Vasilopita was performed by the Board of Directors of the Bulgarian-Greek Chamber of Commerce and Industry, together with its Chairman, Mr. Savvas Karafilidis, who personally distributed the pieces to the guests, wishing them health, luck, and success.
The event was held in a warm and festive atmosphere, providing excellent opportunities for Bulgarian and Greek companies to exchange contacts, ideas, and establish new partnerships. Once again, the Bulgarian-Greek Chamber of Commerce and Industry highlighted its vital role as a bridge between businesses and institutions in Bulgaria and Greece, promoting cooperation, dialogue, and sustainable economic development.
