On February 14, the civil group Daspasimirakli.org (Let’s save Irakli), lobbying to stop all construction along the Black Sea coastal site of Irakli, organised “the longest kiss in the history of environmental protection and the most ecological kiss in the history of St. Valentine's Day”. Even the name of the holiday, dubbed “the day for those enamoured with Irakli”, was in keeping with the day's spirit.
About 200 people braved the cold and attended the party in front of Sofia's Ivan Vazov National Theatre on the evening of St. Valentine's Day, staying for around three hours. Many of them kissed their partners for about 15 minutes after the presenter gave the signal. The participants strove to set a record but managed to set one anyway as this was the first event of its kind in Bulgaria.
Locals and environmentalists expressed their hope that love can save Irakli by sending good wishes to the authorities and constructors working on the virgin beach. The protesters decided that even though the authorities could not stop construction, they would try to use positive emotions instead of aggression.
The party also included World Beats Music played by DJ Dancing Angel and the Global Circle Underground DJs, as well as a fire show.
Participants and passers-by signed a petition calling for a cessation of construction in protected zones and, in particular, on any work already started on illegal buildings in Rila National Park.
The Coalition to Sustain Nature in Bulgaria, which also supported the massive St. Valentine's Kiss for Irakli, is currently trying to collect 70 000 signatures against the Rila construction. The online petition can be signed in English on http://forthenature.org/petitions/on-line_letter_for_rila
