Over 400 Bulgarian women celebrated March 8 in Chicago

On March 8, 2025, we celebrated International Women's Day with a festive Eight March Party, organized by the Bulgarica Association - Chicago and the Bulgarica Cultural Center, in the Olive Palace Banquets Hall. The event brought together 407 ladies from Chicago, North Carolina, Iowa and Wisconsin who came to share a special holiday together. The youngest participant was 9 months old and the oldest lady was 100 years old, showing that the celebration brings together different generations connected by the Bulgarian spirit.

An evening of music and charity

The evening passed under the sounds of favorite songs with which the singer Flori Tsankova and DJ Kircho managed to make everyone sing and dance. Guests also took part in the raffle with a cause that raised funds to send a new container of donations to Bulgaria. In the hall was also Yonka from the village of Dushevo, Gabrovo region, who a few days ago had distributed the donations from the previous donation campaign and especially for the event had sent a thank you message, read to all present.
The organization of the evening once again showed the strength of the partnership between "Bulgarica" and "Bulgarica Association - Chicago", which unite efforts for common causes. At the end of the event all the ladies gathered for a group photo that will remain a memory of this emotional and exciting meeting.

History of tradition

The tradition of holding these parties began in 2016 on the initiative of Emilia Ivanova, who realized the need to create a special space where Bulgarian women in Chicago and the surrounding area can meet, celebrate and maintain the relationship with their homeland. In recent years, the initiative has become one of the most anticipated and large-scale events in the calendar of the Bulgarian community in the Chicago area and every year the number of women joining the celebration grows.

More than a party - a cause with a mission

The special thing about this celebration is its charitable nature. Over time it has established itself as a platform for supporting various initiatives aimed at helping the needy in Bulgaria. This peculiar forum embodies the essence of the Bulgarian community in Chicago - cohesive, dynamic and concerned both for its members and compatriots in Bulgaria.
Bulgarica Cultural Center and "Bulgarka Association - Chicago" continue to develop and expand their activities, becoming pillars of Bulgarian identity in the region.

Preserving Bulgarian identity abroad

The Women's Octogenarian Party plays a key role in preserving traditions and culture, creating a bridge between generations and ensuring that Bulgarian identity will continue to live and thrive far from home.

Thanks to all the ladies and sponsors of the evening

A huge thank you to all of the ladies who were a part of this celebration, as well as our long-time and new sponsors, without whom this event would not have been possible: Marchela Travel, Dr Silviya Ivanova DMD, Kristiana Yordanova Coldwell Banker Realty, Dessi Yordanova Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck RE, Tania Mihaylova Real Estate Services, Mutual Financial Corporation, All Pipes, Paradise Living, The Health Cuisine, Bulgarica Chicago Association, Bulgarica - Bulgarica, Sasha Ivanov State Farm Insurance, PS Web Consulting, Enchant Brands, Chicago Racoons - Window & Power Washing, Des Plaines Eye Care Center, AAA Cleaning Services INC, Iskra Avramova and Assist Insurance Services, Mimosa Pastry Boutique, Nicky Lazaro, Georgieva Real Estate Team at Coldwell Banker, Tenerro coffee, Krasimira Kalcheva - K Trans Solutions, LLC, Bulgarian Heritage Society, One Perfect Gift, SunnyAni, Nasko Ivanov with Home Realty Group, Vanya Anastasova with EHomes Realty.

Organizers: Bulgarica - Bulgarica and "Bulgarian Association - Chicago"
Photos: Tatiana Avdjiev Art Photography