Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

The tragedy in Kočani

Bulgaria declares National Day of Mourning in memory of the victims of Kocani nightclub fire

Photo: BTA

March 18, 2025 has been declared a National Day of Mourning in memory of the young people who died in the tragic fire in a nightclub in the town of Kočani, Republic of North Macedonia. The decision to this effect was made yesterday by the Bulgarian Council of Ministers.
The Bulgarian Government expresses its condolences to the relatives of the deceased, and in their memory, the national flags of state institutions will be lowered throughout the day.

Last night, in the Sofia-based Saint Nedelya Cathedral, His Holiness the Bulgarian Patriarch and Metropolitan of Sofia Daniil served a requiem prayer for those who died in the tragic incident in Kocani. The service was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of North Macedonia to Bulgaria Agneza Rusi.

After the liturgy, a consecration of oil was served for the healing of the victims.

"Your Excellency, brothers and sisters, we mourn together with the people of North Macedonia in these days of mourning for the loss of all the people who died in Kocani. We pray for the repose of their souls and express our sincere and deepest condolences for the misfortune that has befallen you. Also for God's help and support to all those who survived this tragedy, but are infirm, suffering from burns," said Patriarch Daniil.



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

Members of election commissions are being investigated over missing ballots

The Prosecutor's Office has initiated pre-trial proceedings against members of the Sectional and Regional Election Commissions in Stara Zagora, Kardzhali, Blagoevgrad and Sofia. During an inspection by the Constitutional Court in connection with a case..

published on 5/12/25 6:02 PM
President Rumen Radev

Bulgarian President submits to parliament the proposal for a referendum on the euro

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev submitted to the 51st National Assembly a proposal to hold a national referendum with the question "Do you agree that Bulgaria should introduce the single European currency "euro" in 2026?" The proposal is based on the..

published on 5/12/25 4:25 PM

For 80 years, civil marriage has been the only valid form of matrimony in Bulgaria

80 years ago, on May 12, 1945, an Ordinance-Law on Marriage was promulgated in Bulgaria's State Gazette, which entered into force on May 27, 1945 . With its adoption, mandatory civil marriage was introduced as the only valid form of marriage. On the day..

published on 5/12/25 3:20 PM