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

Weather forecast: The clouds and rain continue, no rain in the Southwest

On Thursday minimum temperatures will range between 6 and 11° C., for Sofia around 8° C. During the day the weather will continue cloudy and rainy. The rain will be more significant in Eastern Bulgaria, and in the afternoon – in Central Bulgaria...

published on 11/5/25 6:35 PM
Deputy PM Tomislav Donchev

European Commission withholds payment under recovery and resilience plan over failure to implement anti-corruption reforms

The European Commission has decided to withhold EUR 215 million from the second payment under Bulgaria’s recovery and resilience plan, the EC told the Bulgarian National Radio. The country is to receive EUR 439 million. EU may cut money for..

published on 11/5/25 4:39 PM

Parliament sets up ad-hoc committee to investigate Soros’ activities in Bulgaria

With 111 votes for, 51 against and 43 abstained, the National Assembly approved the establishment of an ad-hoc committee to investigate the activities of George Soros and his son Alexander Soros and their foundations in this country financing..

published on 11/5/25 3:15 PM