Valentin Yordanov from US: Christmas with scent of tangerines and chocolate

Artist Valentin Yordanov sends off a strong and inspiring year in Las Vegas – a period of creative successes, family victories and conscious preservation of the Bulgarian spirit far from the homeland. Before Christmas he shared with Radio Bulgaria that the holiday remains the brightest and unifying time for his family:

"Christmas for me is one of the most special holidays of the year, which brings the family together. Time seems to stop for a moment in this magical moment and I recall my childhood in Bulgaria and the holiday with the scent of tangerines, chocolate and traditional dishes. My family attended the Christmas service and for carollers this is a good moment to show respect for the elderly. Christmas is much more than a holiday, it is a time for reflection, gratitude and creating memories with our closest people."

Living far from home makes these memories even more precious. For Valentin Yordanov, Bulgarian traditions are not just nostalgia, but an active part of his daily life and the upbringing of his children. In Las Vegas, he is part of a close-knit Bulgarian community that consciously works to ensure that the next generation does not lose its connection with Bulgaria – through the language, holidays and gatherings.

"We have three Bulgarian schools and my children attend the ‘Rodna Rech’ school. There we celebrate all Bulgarian holidays, we have a Christmas celebration with a ritual bread, Bulgarian songs and traditions. This is a place where young Bulgarians gather, learn the Bulgarian language and the traditions associated with the big holidays. The Bulgarian community in Nevada and Las Vegas has many events - concerts, we watch Bulgarian films. The biggest holiday for the Bulgarian community here is the festival on the occasion of May 24. Many special guests come, such as the Consul General Boyko Hristov from Los Angeles. The Mayor of Las Vegas Shelley Berkley also comes to celebrate with hundreds of Bulgarians."

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Year 2025 is particularly successful for the Bulgarian. Yordanov is among the few artists selected to participate in a large-scale project for the new Las Vegas City Council, where his monumental work is already part of the city's public space. His international presence is also expanding with a project in Mexico – an impressive work created within the framework of a major art festival and dedicated to the connection between the cultures of the American continent. He uses such events and meetings as an opportunity to talk about his Bulgarian roots, how he came to Las Vegas and the opportunity to represent Bulgaria. Valentin Yordanov is also proud of the achievements of his children, who also carry Bulgaria in their hearts:

"My son won the baseball championship and represented Bulgaria as the only Bulgarian in this competition. Living abroad, moments like these are much more precious than anything. I measure success and whether the year was successful by whether I had good moments with my family, whether I had good moments in my art and whether I had the opportunity to show who I am – a Bulgarian who lives abroad and wants to present this to the whole world."

The artist is already looking towards the future. In 2026, he plans one of his largest solo exhibitions to date – in Los Angeles, with a new cycle of 15 large-format canvases. Between the lights of Las Vegas and the memories of Bulgaria, Valentin Yordanov continues to build bridges – through art, through traditions and through the personal example to his children. For him, success is not only in large-scale projects and international recognition, but in remaining true to your roots with love and hope for the future.

Interview: Maria Samichkova
Text: Elena Karkalanova