The Confucius Classroom at 18th Secondary School under the Confucius Institute in Sofia Hosted “Writing Horses in the Year of the Horse” Calligraphy Experience Event

On February 24, the Confucius Classroom at the 18th Secondary School under the Confucius Institute in Sofia held a calligraphy experience event titled “Writing Horses in the Year of the Horse.” Renowned Bulgarian artist Silvi Velev, who specializes in Chinese painting and calligraphy, was invited to attend and provide guidance on site. Nearly 30 students from the school, together with Chinese teachers from the Confucius Classroom, participated in the activity.

During the event, Mr. Velev first introduced the basic tools used in Chinese calligraphy. He then explained the distinctive features of the three most common script styles—regular script (kaishu), running script (xingshu), and cursive script (caoshu). Taking the Chinese character “龙” (dragon) as an example, he

demonstrated on site the different writing techniques and artistic expressions of each script style.

On the occasion of the Chinese New Year in the Year of the Horse, Mr. Velev took the Chinese character “马” (horse) as the central theme of the session, drawing on the auspicious symbolism associated with the Year of the Horse. Focusing on the character’s structural composition, stroke order, and brush techniques—including the lifting, pressing, pausing, and turning of the brush—he provided a meticulous breakdown and live demonstration. Through his step-by-step guidance, he encouraged students to appreciate the aesthetic form of Chinese characters and to gain a deeper understanding of their rich cultural connotations.

During the hands-on session, students eagerly took part in the practice. The Chinese teacher corrected their brush-holding techniques and posture, and answered questions that arose during the writing process. With the joint guidance of Mr. Velev and the Chinese teacher, each student successfully completed his or her own calligraphy work.

The “Writing Horses in the Year of the Horse” calligraphy experience event combined Chinese calligraphy with the Chinese New Year. Using brush and ink as a bridge and culture as a medium, students had an immersive experience of the charm of Chinese calligraphy and traditional Chinese festivals. The Confucius Classroom at the 18th Secondary School will continue to carry on its tradition of cultural education, using practical activities to enhance students’ learning of Chinese.

Confucius Institute in Sofia

Text: Zhang Kaiyue

Photos: Zhang Kaiyue, Latchezara Pravtcheva

Editors: Chen Ying, Aksiniya Koleva, Ding Chen

English translation: Dima Pironkova