At the end of June, Sofia will host the third edition of Ocho Latin Festival. This year’s location is the Rotonda Square in front of the Central Railway Station — a space with often overlooked potential, deliberately chosen by the organizers as a symbol of movement, intersecting paths, and opportunities for connection. It is here, over two consecutive days — June 27 and 28 — that a stage will come to life with concerts, dance classes, workshops, cocktails, and street food inspired by the urban cultures of Latin America.
The festival was founded by Peruvian musician Piero Epifania and is co-organized with percussionist Georgi Popov — a familiar name on Bulgaria’s music scene. At the heart of the festival is the idea of bringing together not just musicians and dancers, but also the audience and the city itself.
What makes the concept different is its focus: this is the first festival in Bulgaria dedicated entirely to Latin American culture. Until now, there have been concerts, classes, culinary events — but never have all of these elements been brought together in one unified space.
This year’s lineup features a carefully curated selection of local and international artists who blend authenticity with the contemporary sound of Latin America.
Among them is Cuban Soul, a project launched in 2024 by pianist Mihail Filipov. The group explores the terrain between Afro-Cuban music and Latin jazz, with a lineup including Aleksandar Milanov (trumpet), Ivan Yordanov (saxophone), Martin Velev (bass), Georgi Popov (congas), and Borislav Petrov (drums). Their repertoire pays tribute to masters like Chucho Valdés, Tito Puente, and Ray Barretto.
photo: Cuban Soul
Piero Epifania will take the stage with his Piero Epifanía Electric Band — a group whose hybrid sound mix together rhythms from Peru with jazz elements, Latin rock, and African influences. Their music is richly cinematic, emotionally charged, and rhythmically expansive.
photo: Piero Epifanía Electric Band
Also featured in the program is Cholo Chicha — a band based in Barcelona with strong Latin American roots. Their style fuses cumbia, psychedelic rock, rap, and traditional Andean motifs. With an international lineup and high-energy stage presence, Cholo Chicha has become a standout name on the European scene.
photo: Cholo Chicha
Orquesta Típica Libertango, led by bandoneonist Stoyan Karaivanov, will also perform. The ensemble delivers traditional and “nuevo” Argentine tango, inspired by the great orchestras of the golden age. Their repertoire includes works by Astor Piazzolla and compositions in the spirit of Osvaldo Pugliese.
photo: Orquesta Típica Libertango
The program also features open Latin dance classes and music workshops led by local instructors. The afternoons will be filled with DJ sets by two of the most exciting names in the genre — ALTAIS and BULULÚ — each offering a unique take on rhythms from the Caribbean, South America, and the world of electronic music.
photo: Dj Altais, Dj Bululú
It’s important that everyone involved truly wants to be part of it. In music, you can’t hide — if it’s not from the heart, people will sense it immediately, says Georgi. For him and Piero, the festival isn’t just an event — it’s an extension of their stage experience and a shared pursuit of authenticity.
This year’s edition of Ocho Latin Festival is supported by Sofia Municipality’s Serdika District — a gesture of trust and a sign of the potential of public spaces to be transformed through culture. The Central Station is more than just a location — it’s a metaphor for movement, openness, and cross-cultural connection. “It’s important to attract different people and unlock the potential of this space. Our tools to do that are music, dance, and food,” adds Georgi.
The event is free and open to all ages. For those who want to get into the groove early, Dinya has curated a special Spotify playlist featuring festival artists and more Latin music to set the mood. Listen here.
The festival will take place on June 27 and 28, 2025, in Sofia. For the full program and updates, follow Ocho Latin Festival on social media.
photos: festival archive
text: Sofia Hussein for Dinya
