A journey through Bulgaria

This spring, a team from RED NOSES’ Emergency Smile set off on their second trip—and first official mission—across Bulgaria, following an earlier scouting mission. The group—Salomé as Head of Mission, together with artists Alaa, Marija and Nina—spent four weeks travelling the country, connecting with displaced people, local communities, and aid workers through humour, play, and shared presence.

The trip took them from Plovdiv to Harmanli and finally to the coast in Varna. Along the way, they met people from Ukraine, Syria, Iraq, Kurdistan, Morocco, Egypt and beyond—each carrying their own stories, challenges, and hopes.

Plovdiv: A second home

In Plovdiv, the team started with a week of preparation before diving into activities. One of the first places they visited was the Second Home—a temporary accommodation for people from Ukraine, where they stay before finding a job or housing.

The team ran activities for both children and older people, adjusting their performances to meet the audiences. One floor of the building also housed elderly Bulgarians temporarily relocated while their care home was being renovated. For many, the visit from the clowns was a rare chance for interaction—and a real highlight.

Some people smiled. Some cried. Everyone felt something shift, even if just for a moment.

At the Compass Centre—a space for displaced communities run by USRF with support from UNHCR—our artists brought together children from different backgrounds, including Ukrainian and Arabic-speakers. These mixed shows created something special: moments of connection that crossed language and culture.

The team also co-organised an activity with the Bulgarian Red Cross, full of interactive play, laughter, and lightness. 

Harmanli: New faces, shared stages

A week later, the team travelled to Harmanli, home to Bulgaria’s largest Registration and Reception Centre for displaced people. The team facilitated a Humour Relief Workshop for Medical Volunteers International and No Name Kitchen, tow grassroots organisations supporting the displaced communities living in Harmanli. Together, they organised a big activity open to everyone in Harmanli’s park.

The artists then spent two full weeks performing, playing, and connecting inside the Registration and Reception Centre. Every morning, all the children living with their families were invited to join the clowns for various shows and activities. On the final day, the children didn’t just watch the show—they became part of it. They tried on clown props, performed in front of their peers and families, and cheered each other on.

Each afternoon, the artists also worked with unaccompanied minors—kids and teens aged 8 to 17. Most were boys, but there were a few girls too. These sessions gave space for them to unwind, learn new skills, and build some trust in a safe setting.

There was also a special women-only session—a quiet moment where women could relax, connect, and just be, without the usual responsibilities.

The two weeks wrapped up with a big parade through the Registration and Reception Centre—kids, parents, single men, staff, and even the local police experienced it. Everyone had a chance to take part and to see something joyful move through their space.

Varna: A need for connection

The last stop was Varna, a coastal city on the Black Sea. Though the team only had three days, the impact was big. In partnership with Medical Volunteers International, they visited several hotels on the outskirts of town where displaced Ukrainian families are staying.

Because of new government rules, families can only stay for 60 days unless they can prove vulnerability. The isolation is real—many hotels are far from the city, and getting into town isn’t always possible.

At each hotel, the clowns brought a change of pace. Activities for kids, yes—but also something meaningful for the parents and grandparents watching. For some, the sense of connection was just as powerful as the laughter.

The team also visited Varna’s Compass Centre, managed by the Energy Association, which supports vulnerable groups and displaced individuals. Even in just a few short days, it was clear how much the visit meant—and how strong the hope is for a return.

Wrapping up in Sofia

The mission ended in Sofia with a Humour Relief Workshop for the UNHCR team. After months of delivering support to others, this was a moment for them to pause and recharge.

Throughout the mission, the team could create small spaces of joy, where people—young and old—could just breathe, play, and feel seen.

There were laughs, of course. But also soft moments. Glances. Hugs. Dances. Eye contact. Real human connection.

That’s the kind of magic this mission was about.