Ariana Lake

In addition to the trees, in Kukuryak, we also have a deep connection with water.

This is a photo of Ariana Lake in the center of Sofia. Many of the people who attend the Kukuryak group meetings have memories of this place from years ago. Svetla remembers how, in the 1960s, when she was a child, there were boats on the lake. Svetla’s parents took her for a walk to the lake and the three of them swam together. Vasil talks about a later period, in the 1990s, when the lake was a popular place for romantic encounters. For Nasko, this place is an «oasis in the concrete.»

The lake is part of Borisova Garden, a large park in the city center, but it is also just meters away from Orlov Bridge, a very busy intersection with thousands of cars passing through every day. Ariana Lake also gave its name to the beer that was produced in the city. One of the oldest breweries in Sofia, owned by the Czech Prošek brothers, is located nearby.