Bulgaria Marks 117 years of independence with nationwide celebrations

published on 9/22/25 5:38 PM

Photo: BTA

Bulgaria marked 117 years since the declaration of its independence on Sunday, with celebrations taking place across the country. The former capital, Veliko Tarnovo, was at the centre of the commemorations.

In Plovdiv, the anniversary was observed with a solemn ceremony and a reenactment of the historic events of 1908. Dozens of residents and visitors gathered at 22 September Square to take part. “My great-grandfather was a volunteer soldier, my grandfather served as an officer under His Majesty Tsar Ferdinand – this is his original uniform,” said Sava Kufarov, a participant in the reenactment, speaking to BNR Plovdiv.

Reenactment of the proclamation of independence in Plovdiv.

In Burgas, local Orthodox clergy held a festive prayer service for the country’s prosperity. Flags representing Bulgaria, the Municipality of Burgas, and the European Union were raised in Atanas Sirekov Square, with participation from units of the Burgas garrison and military veterans’ organisations.

Raising of the national flag and the flags of the Municipality of Burgas and the EU.

Varna marked the anniversary with a solemn ceremony and a city-wide horo chain dance, in which citizens joined performers from the Varna Folk Ensemble.

In Kyustendil, tribute was paid to military heroes at the “Bulaiir” monument (dedicated to the Bulgarian army’s victory at the Turkish town of Bolayir in 1913 – ed.). Members of the Tradition Club at the General Vladimir Zaimov Community Centre provided an honour guard. The programme began with the hoisting of the Bulgarian national flag to the anthem Mila Rodino, performed by the professional brass band of the Kyustendil Municipality.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova

Posted in English by E. Radkova

Photos: BTA, Burgas Municipality

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