A commemorative ceremony on the occasion of the 149th anniversary of the death of Bulgarian national hero Vassil Levski will be held on 18 February in the sub-Balkan town of Karlovo, the birthplace of the Apostle of Freedom, as he was dubbed.

On this day the town traditionally pays homage to the Apostle’s sacrifice. No less than 1,500 people - residents and guests of Karlovo – usually gather on the square, which is named after Vasil Levski.

The commemorative ceremony and the subsequent fireworks are under the patronage of the President of the National Assembly Nikola Minchev, who will deliver a speech.

Archiepiscopal Holy Mass and memorial service will be celebrated on 19 February at 9 am in the church "Assumption of the Holy Mother of God". In the the evening, at 7 pm, there will be a Commemorative assembly on the square, where people willbe laying wreaths and flowers at the monument of the Apostle.

A representative unit of the 61st Stryamska Mechanized Infanry Brigade will participate in the ceremony.

• Levski’s Karlovo house built up back from ashes, now sanctuary

Compiled by: Gergana Mancheva

English: Elizabeth Radkova