Leader of the political party Ataka, Volen Siderov, is known for inciting waves of passion in his audience.
Photo: Georgi Kozhouharov
Ataka, a far-right nationalistic political party, will be protesting on March 3 2009, the day on which Bulgaria marks 131 years since the Treaty of San Stefano and liberation from the Ottoman Empire.
As a result of Ataka's actions, certain roads will be closed in Sofia, many of which co-incide with those already shut off to vehicular traffic on the third. Starting at 7am until the end of the manifestations: - the northern part of Alexander Nevsky Square; and - Dondoukov Boulevard, between Rakovski Street and General Nikolaev Boulevard (where it crosses Chavdar Bridge).
From 12.30pm until the protests end, vehicles will not be allowed to drive on: Oborishte Street, between Rakovski Street and Vassil Levski Boulevard; 11-ti Avgust Street, between Dondoukov Boulevard and Alexander Nevsky Square; 15-ti Noemvri Street, between Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard and Alexander Nevsky Square; and Moskovska Street, between Vassil Levski Boulevard and Dunav Street.
The Ataka parade will take place from noon on March 3, starting at the empty flag poles at NDK (National Palace of Culture) up Vitosha Boulevard, taking a right when Vitosha turns into Maria Louisa Boulevard, to Nezavisimost Square (at the Presidency) to Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard, left on Rakovski and right on Oborishte to Alexander Nevsky Square. The gathering, taking place on the western side of Alexander Nevsky Square, will wrap up by 4.30pm.
The playlist included Chatanooga Choo Choo, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Sing Sing sing, Rum and Coca Cola, Shoo Shoo Baby, Tico Tico, Michael Jackson's Blame it on the Boogie.