Bulgaria`s first Sand Figures Festival was opened Wednesday night in the Sea Garden in the Black Sea city of Burgas.

Sixteen renown sculptors from Russia, France, the Netherlands, England, the Czech Republic, India, and Indonesia have built dozens of sand statues on an area of four decares using over 2500 tons of sand.

The festival is expected to attract thousands of Bulgarian and foreign tourists spending their vacation on Bulgaria`s southern Black Sea coast. The organizers are also hoping to attract the attention of tourist agencies from all over the country.

According to specialists, the sand statues can withstand various weather conditions for about two-three months. Thus, the sand figures exhibit will be open until September.

The entrance ticket costs BGN 6 for adults, and BGN 3 for kids.