Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Bulgaria celebrates independence with festivities across the country

Photo: BTA

The Independence Day celebrations in Veliko Tarnovo began in the Church of the Forty Martyrs, where on 22 September 1908 Prince Ferdinand I read the manifesto declaring the Principality of Bulgaria an independent kingdom. "We know that with joined hands, we can achieve much more than with elbowing and fist-waving. We know that a common goal is achieved through unity. Independence is not a gift, it is a heritage. Independence must be defended every day. These were the words of Raya Nazaryan, President of the National Assembly, who attended the celebrations in Bulgaria's ancient capital and reflected on the lessons of the historic event of 1908.



In Sofia, a ceremony was held in front of the "Independence of Bulgaria" monument on Knyaz Alexander I Square. "Independence Day has had a strange fate - celebrated until 1944, banned and then restored in 1998," said Professor Veselin Yanchev of Sofia's St Kliment Ohridski University in his speech. The Sofia Brass Band, the Sveta Sofia Choir and the Gusla Male Choir performed at the celebrations in Sofia.



Bulgaria's independence was celebrated in Varna with a military ritual, a prayer and a horo dance. The celebration ended with performances by the "Varna" folklore ensemble. At the end, the citizens and guests of the celebrations also joined in a city-wide festive horo.



The 116th anniversary of Bulgarian Independence was also marked in Yambol. For the third time, a 10-kilometre bicycle ride was organised to the ancient city of Kabile, reports BNR correspondent Daniela Kostova.

Anniversary celebrations continue across the country.


Photos: BTA, BGNES, Yambol Municipality



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

The Erma gorge eco-trail

Sunny Sunday with temperatures reaching 19 degrees

Sunday will be mostly sunny. There will be a temporary increase in clouds in the south-eastern areas.  Minimum temperatures will be between minus 2°C and 3°C, with some frost in the plains and valleys, while maximum temperatures will be between 14°C and..

published on 10/19/24 7:05 PM

Nine arrested in operation against sexual exploitation of children

Nine people aged between 35 and 48 have been arrested in special police operations by the Directorate General for Combating Organised Crime against sexual exploitation of children. Two of those arrested had used false identities to contact young..

published on 10/19/24 4:03 PM

Construction of National Children's Hospital to start next year

Construction of the National Children's Hospital will begin in June next year , interim Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev said at a briefing. The hospital will have 26 wards and about 400 beds . It will provide complex care for young patients. "The..

published on 10/19/24 3:39 PM