The Balkan Philatelic Exhibition BALKANFILA XXI will be held in Bulgaria in 2026 and will be one of the most significant cultural events for philatelists from the region. The forum will be hosted by the Palace of Culture in the city of Pernik , where collectors, researchers and stamp enthusiasts from many countries will gather from April 29 to May 2, 2026 .
The exhibition will offer an impressive scale – 500 exhibition boards are planned, with each country having the opportunity to present its exhibits on 40 boards . In addition, the “Literature” class will be unlimited in the number of participants, which will allow the presentation of books, catalogs, studies and other philatelic publications. Particular attention will be paid to young philatelists, as their exhibits will be displayed completely free of charge, in order to encourage the new generation to discover and develop an interest in this hobby.
The organizers have extended invitations to a wide range of countries, including Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Slovenia, Croatia, Cyprus, Israel, Albania, Moldova, and others. This will turn Pernik into a center of international cultural exchange, where different traditions and approaches to philately will meet.
The participation fees are set to be accessible to a wide range of collectors: 25 euros for each exhibition board and 15 euros for an exhibit in the “Literature” class. No fee will be required for youth exhibits, which is a clear sign of the organizers’ desire to support young talents.
The event aims not only to present rare and valuable philatelic collections, but also to be a forum for the exchange of knowledge, ideas and experience. It will allow participants to discuss new trends, strengthen ties between national philatelic organizations and promote philately as a cultural and historical heritage.
BALKANPHILE XXI – Pernik 2026 promises to be a true celebration of postage stamps, combining tradition, culture and friendship between peoples. This is an event that will strengthen Bulgaria's role as an active participant in the international philatelic movement and leave a lasting mark in the history of Balkan philately.