The first  perfumed Damascene rose donated by the Bulgarians to London flowers in Golden Square

While London is shortly to have a nationalistic pro Brexit  demonstration following the “Free Tommy Robinson ”  violent right wing extremist march last weekend, a square in the heart of Soho  was a venue to  celebrate the  opposite to those stirring up hate and prejudice  – a celebration of how the Bulgarians contribute to London life.

Bulgarian dancers

The Bulgarians took over Golden Square for an afternoon of dancing, singing and speeches from both the London mayor’s office and Tory councillors representing the area in Westminster plus an impromptu speech from me. My grandson Leon thought the dancing was similar in some ways to Irish dancing.

A spread of Bulgarian food

There was also a a selection of Bulgarian food – which is influenced by both Turkish and Greek cuisine – and  was offered free to any members of the public who happened to be enjoying the sunshine in the square at the time.

And schoolchildren also performed dances

The contrast between the manufactured  fear of the other in the media  and the attitudes of the people there could not be stronger. And I suspect this is reflected in many other ethnic minority communities. Pictures were supplied by Boyko Boev.

The Bulgarians and guests at the celebration