Before Plovdiv’s nightlife moved to modern bars, it began in an unexpected place – on the roof of a building that is still well-known today.
The first open-air disco in the city appeared in the late 1970s and quickly became a hot spot for young people. Its location was the roof of the Youth Center “Y. Nikolova”, completed in 1977. And its opening and operation were officially approved by the Party.
Historically, discos as a format originated in France in the 1950s and 1960s, initially as places to listen to music from gramophone records. Over time, the figure of the disco host, who selects and presents the music, also became established. According to Wikipedia, the first modern disco in Europe – Scotch Club in Germany – opened in 1959, and by the 1970s this type of entertainment was already widespread.
It is no wonder that Plovdiv is not far behind and the disco on the roof of the Youth Center gathers dozens of teenagers who spend their evenings dancing and chatting. The format is accessible – the entrance fee is about 80 stotinki, which allows students to be part of this new urban experience.
Unlike Sofia, where at that time access to discos was often limited to students, in Plovdiv the place is more open and social.
In the early 80s, Carlo Panikyan stood out among the disco hosts. Later, names such as Evgeni Grimberg and Tsanko (DJ Smiley) joined the scene, contributing to the development of the musical environment.
After the 90s, the space went through various transformations and remained part of the city’s nightlife under various names, including “Amigo 1” and “Tra-la-la”, “Florida”, etc.
The music also changed – from classic disco to a more diverse mix of genres, including pop, retro and chalga. During this period, it was also associated with the activities of DJ Damyan.
Today, the former Youth Center has been converted into the headquarters of the Municipal Council of the City under the Hills, and the part of the building that housed discos and entertainment spaces is deserted and not functioning.
