Eurovision winner Dara arrives to screaming fans in Bulgaria

The 27-year-old's tune Bangaranga won Bulgaria its first ever title in the song contest.

Bulgarian singer Dara received a grand homecoming in Sofia after winning the 70th Eurovision Song Contest with her hit 'Bangaranga.' Hundreds of fans gathered at Vasil Levski Airport waving national flags as Dara, whose real name is Darina Yotova, arrived holding the Eurovision trophy. At 27, Dara brought Bulgaria its first-ever victory in the competition, which took place in Vienna. Her performance, noted for its energetic beats and choreography, won over both national juries and international viewers. Dara expressed hopes that the win would spark greater support for Bulgarian artists and highlighted the nation's rich talent. The event stirred national pride, with top political figures praising the achievement. The mayor of Sofia confirmed the city's readiness to host Eurovision 2027, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of Bulgaria joining the EU.

Hundreds of cheering fans carrying homemade signs and waving Bulgarian flags welcomed Eurovision Song Contest winner Dara upon her return home on Sunday. Visibly tired but smiling, the 27-year-old singer arrived at Sofia’s Vasil Levski Airport waving the Eurovision trophy. 'This award marks the beginning of my future international career,' Dara said as she arrived. The singer was the surprise winner of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna on Saturday, with her catchy party anthem 'Bangaranga' giving Bulgaria its first-ever victory in the competition. 'We have done something great for Bulgarian music, and I hope this sends a message that Bulgaria’s performers and artists deserve stronger support,' Dara said.

Hundreds of cheering fans waving Bulgarian flags welcomed Eurovision Song Contest winner Dara upon her return home on Sunday. Visibly tired but smiling, the 27-year-old singer arrived at Sofia’s Vasil Levski Airport waving the Eurovision trophy. Bulgaria's major television stations made changes to their regular programs to air live coverage from the airport. 'This award marks the beginning of my future international career,' Dara said. The singer won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna on Saturday with her infectious party anthem 'Bangaranga,' giving the southeast European country its first-ever victory in the competition. 'We have done something great for Bulgarian music, and I hope this sends a message that Bulgaria’s performers and artists deserve stronger support,' Dara said.

Hundreds of ecstatic fans waving Bulgarian flags turned out at Sofia airport to give a triumphant welcome home to Dara, the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest, after her surprise victory. Leading figures from the fields of sport, music and politics in Bulgaria fired off messages of congratulations -- some of whom had even helped rally support for her before Saturday's voting. Dara triumphed in Vienna with catchy floor-filler 'Bangaranga', which swept the 70th edition of the world's biggest live televised music event. Dara -- real name Darina Yotova -- was not among the favourites going into Eurovision week but the 27-year-old gained momentum with a strong performance in the semi-finals. 'I really like breaking rules,' Dara told reporters in Vienna before flying home. 'I'm really good with following my rules -- not anybody else's.