Today marks 109 years since Bulgaria declared its Independence. It was proclaimed on 22 September 1908 in the city of Veliko Tarnovo with a Manifesto of Prince Ferdinand read at St. Forty Martyrs Church and later also at the medieval Tsarevets Castle.

This act in fact fully rejected the claims of the Ottoman Empire on Southern Bulgaria (Eastern Rumelia). Together with its vassal status Bulgaria also abandoned its financial dues to the empire and the West European countries imposed on by the Treaty of Berlin signed in 1878.

Today the anniversary will be marked across Bulgaria but the center if celebrations is Veliko Tarnovo, The start will be given with a liturgy served by Veliko Tarnovo Metropolitan Grigoriy at St. Forty Martyrs Church. This will be followed by a military ritual with the raising of the national flag at Tsarevets Castle.

During the day there will be free guided tours in the city and festive various events. The participants in the 11^th International Festival of Military Bands will give a concert too.

In Sofia celebrations of the 109^th anniversary of Bulgaria’s Independence are due in Prince Alexander I square.