DARA wins Eurovision 2026

DARA gave Bulgaria its first Eurovision Song Contest victory on May 16, winning the 2026 grand final in Vienna with “Bangaranga.” Bulgaria had returned to the contest this year after a three-year break, and the win was confirmed by Eurovision’s official site and Radio Bulgaria. Thousands then gathered in central Sofia on May 19 to welcome DARA home, according to Radio Bulgaria. ### How big is this for Bulgaria? Bulgaria’s victory was its first in Eurovision history, a milestone highlighted by both Eurovision’s official site and Radio Bulgaria. Radio Bulgaria described the result as a “historic 2026 victory,” while Eurovision’s site congratulated Bulgaria on its first-ever win. Bulgaria had only just returned to the contest in 2026 after a three-year absence. (eurovision.tv) Bulgarian National Television, or BNT, said in November 2025 that it was rejoining the competition as part of an effort to promote Bulgarian culture and talent to an international audience. ### Who is DARA and how did she get there? (eurovision.tv) DARA, whose full name is Darina Nikolaeva Yotova, was chosen in Bulgaria’s national selection on January 31 and confirmed as the country’s representative in a Radio Bulgaria report published on February 1. She was born in Varna on September 9, 1998, and gained prominence after appearing on “X Factor” in 2015, Radio Bulgaria said. (bnrnews.bg) Eight acts competed in the Bulgarian final, according to Radio Bulgaria, and DARA advanced with support from both viewers and the jury. The national selection was part of a three-stage process broadcast on BNT 1. ### What was the winning song? “Bangaranga” was selected on February 28 as Bulgaria’s Eurovision entry from three songs written for DARA’s participation, Radio Bulgaria reported. (bnrnews.bg) The outlet said both the jury and viewers were unanimous in choosing it for Vienna. DARA told BNT that “Bangaranga” symbolized discovering “the inner strength each of us possesses” and said the title translates as “riot” from Jamaican, according to Radio Bulgaria’s English-language report. (bnrnews.bg) Radio Bulgaria also said the official music video featured dancers partly dressed as chaushi, a type of kukeri from Razlog. (bnrnews.bg) ### What happened in the final? Vienna hosted the 70th edition of Eurovision between May 12 and May 16, according to Radio Bulgaria. DARA competed in the second semi-final on May 14 before reaching the grand final on May 16. Euronews reported that DARA beat 24 other competitors in Saturday’s grand final in the Austrian capital. (bnrnews.bg) Radio Bulgaria said Bulgaria won over both viewers and juries, and Euronews reported that Israel finished second after a large public vote shaped the final result. ### What did the homecoming in Sofia look like? (bnrnews.bg) Central Sofia became the site of a public celebration on May 19, when thousands turned out to welcome DARA after the victory, according to Radio Bulgaria. Euronews also described Sofia as turning into a large “Bangaranga” party after the win. Radio Bulgaria’s coverage, cited in the source briefing for this story, said celebrations continued into the evening. (euronews.com) That reception underlined how quickly DARA’s win moved from a contest result in Vienna to a public event in Bulgaria’s capital. ### What comes next after the win? Malta will host Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026, according to Eurovision’s official news feed. (euronews.com) Eurovision’s site and Radio Bulgaria are also carrying the main record of Bulgaria’s 2026 win, including DARA’s selection, the choice of “Bangaranga,” and the final result in Vienna. (eurovision.tv)