Sofia was transformed into a scene of celebration as Eurovision 2026 winner Dara returned to Bulgaria following her landmark victory. The singer arrived with her trophy in hand and was greeted at the airport by hundreds of fans waving flags, chanting her name, and applauding her success.
@bykrisi Welcoming the 2026 Eurovision winner at Sofia Airport 🥇 🇧🇬 Bangaranga vibes everywhere 🤩 Congrats Dara! This is historical ❤️ Честита Бангаранга @Eurovision @Darina Yotova ♬ original sound – esc – 🇳🇱
A homecoming turned celebration
The 27-year-old artist landed in Bulgaria shortly after the contest final, accompanied by her team. Her arrival had a ceremonial feel even before she stepped off the plane, as the aircraft was welcomed with a traditional water salute from fire service vehicles—a gesture reserved for special occasions.
At the airport, crowds of supporters of all ages had gathered to celebrate what many in Bulgaria see as a historic achievement. The atmosphere quickly turned into a spontaneous celebration, with cheers and national flags filling the arrivals area.
🇧🇬 #Eurovision 2026 winner DARA has arrived back home and was met by a large group of fans at Sofia Airport 🏆
Asked by reporters what she will do next, she said she will “go home, eat pizza, and cry in pajamas” to celebrate her win and first wedding anniversary.
[🎥 BNT] pic.twitter.com/VxcT70BxuE
— ESC Discord (@ESCdiscord) May 17, 2026
Emotion, humor, and a personal milestone
Dara appeared visibly emotional as she spoke to journalists, saying she was still trying to process the scale of her win.
With humor, she shared that her immediate plan was simple: to go home, eat pizza, and cry in her pajamas. The moment also carried personal significance, coinciding with her first wedding anniversary with her husband.
“Bangaranga” echoes through Sofia airport
The celebration reached its peak when Dara took a microphone and performed her winning Eurovision entry, “Bangaranga,” live for the crowd. Fans sang along, turning the airport into an impromptu concert space.
DARA, the winner of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, reacts as she addresses fans at Sofia Airport, in Sofia, Bulgaria, May 17, 2026. REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov
She was seen dancing among supporters and even alongside security personnel as the festive atmosphere continued. Before leaving, she carried a teddy bear gifted by a young fan, adding a sentimental touch to the emotional homecoming.
DARA, the winner of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, reacts as she addresses fans at Sofia Airport, in Sofia, Bulgaria, May 17, 2026. REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov
Who is Dara?
Dara, born Darina Yotova in 1998 in Varna on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, studied at a national arts school and developed an early connection to music.
She began performing traditional Bulgarian music at the age of seven before transitioning to pop, where she built a distinctive artistic identity.
Her rise to fame began in 2015 through X Factor Bulgaria, followed by her breakout single “K’vo ne chu” in 2016, which established her as a rising star in the country’s music scene.
Since then, she has released award-winning music, performed in sold-out shows, and accumulated millions of online views, becoming one of Bulgaria’s most popular contemporary pop artists.
What comes next
Following her Eurovision 2026 victory, Dara is stepping into a new phase of her career. For now, she says she is focused on rest and recovery before making decisions about her future plans.
