6 predictions Baba Vanga got wrong
Not all of Baba Vanga’s visions came true. Explore the surprising predictions she got wrong and why people still believe her.
Image: Despite warnings from Baba Vanga, there has been no alien invasion of Earth...yet | Shutterstock.com
Known around the world as the Bulgarian Nostradamus, it was said that Baba Vanga saw the future. She predicted world events such as Chernobyl, the 2004 Tsunami in the Indian Ocean and even the rise of ISIS.
But there has always been huge scepticism about her claims as most lack any proof. As others have noted, 'Some of her predictions have been interpreted as having been accurate; however, the reliability of her predictions is still a matter of debate, and many of her claims have not been proven.'
As there have been many predictions that have missed the mark, Sky HISTORY looks at the ones she got wrong – from missed disasters to political forecasts that never happened.
Who was Baba Vanga?
Vangeliya Pandeva Surcheva was born in Strumica, Bulgaria, in 1911. Her mother died when she was 3 years old and when her father was forced to enlist, she was taken care of by relatives and neighbours.
When she was 12 years old, Baba Vanga had a horrific accident that resulted in blinding her. She claimed a tornado lifted her up and threw her under a pile of sand, permanently damaging her sight.
Nevertheless, she became known as someone who never turned anyone away who needed help. She was said to have foresight and healing powers, helping others with her gifts.
Nostradamus of the Balkans
Baba Vanga became famous as the ‘Nostradamus of the Balkans’.
She was cited as having predicted the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, the death of Stalin in 1953, Princess Diana’s death in 1997 and the 9/11 attacks.
But how much did she actually predict these future events? It’s hard to tell as most of the information comes from second-hand accounts and barely anything was recorded. Her predictions became popular after the event, leading to a healthy amount of scepticism about Vanga’s supposed gift of prophecy.
Missing the mark – her failed predictions
Let’s have a look at some predictions that Baba Vanga missed the mark on. Starting with:
1. Obama’s election win
Vanga correctly predicted that Barack Obama would win the US election and become the 44th President. But she also stated that he would be the last President of the USA, so didn’t get it quite right.
2. War of the Worlds
Aliens were supposed to land on Earth in 2023 and wage war on the human race. But so far, no little green men have appeared.
3. Asian explosion
Baba Vanga believed that Asia would be covered in toxic gases after a nuclear plant explosion. She didn’t specify a date or year, which bolstered her followers to believe that it could still happen. But as it hasn’t so far happened, it’s classed as one of her unfulfilled forecasts.
4. Wasteland Europe
Baba Vanga is often quoted as having predicted that Europe would become largely uninhabitable or nearly deserted by 2016. It’s been thought that she saw either environmental disasters, widespread disease or mass migration that would leave the continent almost empty.
However, in reality, Europe in 2016 remained fully populated and functioning, with no collapse of civilisation. This prediction is widely seen as one of her more dramatic failed forecasts.
5. George Bush Sr’s death
In the 1990s, one of Vanga’s predictions involved the death of the 41st US President George Bush Sr. in a plane explosion. However, he actually died in 2018 from natural causes related to age and Parkinson's disease.
6. World War III
One of her more chilling predictions was that in 2010, four heads of state would be assassinated. Vanga claimed that this would eventually lead to World War 3. Thankfully, this didn’t come to pass.
Why is Baba Vanga still revered?
Considering the amount of predictions Baba Vanga got wrong, she is still considered a highly respected seer in some communities.
Her home in Bulgaria is a museum and site for pilgrims as many Bulgarians believe in her powers. A church (St Petka) was even built with her financial input and support, attracting visitors because of her fame.
Vanga’s name resurfaces globally whenever there are huge world events, with her predictions appearing online. Some religious groups have cautioned against revering her, highlighting that she still is influential to those who know her prophecies.
So, whether she’s thought of as a visionary or a myth, Baba Vanga’s legacy continues to spark fascination and debate.
Want more stories about fascinating historical figures? Subscribe to the Sky History newsletter for the latest insights, features and behind-the-scenes stories.
