Bulgaria celebrated 117 years since the declaration of its independence, BTA reported. Traditionally, the center of the celebrations was Veliko Tarnovo, where on September 22, 1908, Prince Ferdinand, together with the ministers from the cabinet of Alexander Malinov, read the Manifesto proclaiming the Independence of Bulgaria.
After a solemn liturgy in the church “St. 40 Martyrs“, the guests of the holiday laid flowers at the grave of Tsar Kaloyan and headed to the fortress “Tsarevets“. There, the national flag was raised, a crowded procession passed through the streets of Veliko Tarnovo on the occasion of the holiday. The Speaker of the National Assembly Natalia Kiselova participated in the celebrations. She was at the head of a festive procession in Veliko Tarnovo. The Speaker of the National Assembly received the honorary formation of cadets of the “Vasil Levski” National Military University. The Bulgarian flag was raised with a military ritual, and 117 white, green and red balloons flew into the sky.
Only united and united around national priorities can we build the state, said the Speaker of the National Assembly Natalia Kiselova in a speech on the occasion of the 117th anniversary of the declaration of Independence of Bulgaria. Later in the evening, Natalia Kiselova attended the Solemn Fire Inspection in Veliko Tarnovo. “It is up to every Bulgarian citizen to both remember our glorious history and ancestors, of whom we are proud, and to preserve their aspiration for a free and independent Bulgaria,” she said. We need to seek and protect what unites us, and not demonstrate what divides us, added Kiselova.
The Mayor of Veliko Tarnovo Daniel Panov emphasized that Independence Day is the most unifying day, a source of pride that we are Bulgarians and Veliko Tarnovo residents, and a day in which we celebrate the living memory of our heroes, filled with so much courage, heroism and dignity.
Before that, there was a demonstration of marching orders performed by the university graduates on the "Tsar Asen" square in Veliko Tarnovo. Once again, the Manifesto, with which Independence was proclaimed in Veliko Tarnovo on September 22, 1908, was read to the guests of the holiday.
Among those present were the Deputy Speakers of the National Assembly Juliana Mateeva and Nikoleta Kuzmanova, the Constitutional Judge Atanas Semov, the Minister of Electronic Governance Valentin Mundrov, representatives of the parliamentary groups, the Regional Governor Yulia Likomanova-Mutafchieva, the Chairman of the Veliko Tarnovo Municipal Council Ventsislav Spirdonov, the Head of the National University “Vasil Levski“ Brigadier General Stancho Kaykov, the Deputy Rector of Veliko Tarnovo University Prof. Nikolay Kanev, representatives of institutions and public figures. Among the guests were also the General Director of BTA Kiril Valchev and the General Director of “Armenpress” Narine Nazaryan.
Thousands watched the spectacle “Tsarevgrad Tarnov - Sound and Light“ and the festive fireworks.
On the occasion of the holiday, President Rumen Radev wrote on Facebook: “Independence is not just a historical date, but a lesson in statesmanship that we must follow today.“ Today we pay tribute to the political maturity of our ancestors, who declared Bulgaria an independent state. After 1908, our people have proven many times that they have both the will and the strength to determine their own future, the head of state noted.
Independence is not a gift, but the fruit of perseverance and will, which we are obliged to defend every day, wrote Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov on the social network.
Let this day remind us that freedom and independence are not a given, but a responsibility, noted Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the “BSP - United Left“ Atanas Zafirov in his congratulations on the holiday.
On Independence Day, Stefan Valdobrev and “The Usual Suspects“ recorded a new song in the medieval Tarnovo church “St. St. Peter and Paul“. This was another historical landmark whose acoustics were used to enrich the sound of the musicians' upcoming album.
The anniversary was also celebrated in other cities in the country.
In Sofia, the celebration of the holiday began at 11:00 a.m. in front of the monument to "Independence of Bulgaria" on "Knyaz Alexander I" Square. The celebration is organized by the Sofia Municipality and is part of the Calendar of Cultural Events of Sofia. Independence is not just a historical date, but a responsibility to keep our country honest and fair, said the Mayor of Sofia Vasil Terziev.
In Belogradchik, wreaths and flowers were laid in front of the monument to those who died in the wars.
In Blagoevgrad, on the square "Georgi Izmirliev" flowers and wreaths were laid in front of the Memorial Plaque. In honor of the holiday, the poem "Bulgaria" by Georgi Dzhagarov was recited by Ivan Aladzhov, a student from the Eighth Secondary School "Arseni Kostentsev". The annual "Sports Panorama" will be held on the square "Georgi Izmirliev", and later there was a Tabata marathon.
In Varna, the holiday was honored with a military ritual and a festive prayer service.
A solemn ceremony was held in Vidin, with the festive program that began with the national anthem, performed by the City Brass Band, and a performance of the poem "Fatherland" by Petko Rachov Slaveykov from first grader Siyana Mihaylova.
In Vratsa, Mezdra and Kozloduy, 117 years since the declaration of Bulgaria's independence were celebrated with a festive program, laying of wreaths and flowers, prayer service and other events.
In Lovech, over 300 exhibits from the ethnographic wealth of the Regional Historical Museum in Lovech were displayed in one of the new halls of the cultural institution. On the occasion of Independence Day, the exhibition opened its doors to visitors for the first time.
In Montana, a concert was held on the central square “Zheravitsa“, performed by the folk singer Svetla Dukateva, who presented songs from the Rhodope region. Long ropes were tied around the square, which many citizens and guests of the city grabbed.
In Panagyurishte, the holiday was marked with a ritual of raising the national flag and a festive procession.
In Pernik, a commemorative ceremony was held in front of the monument to Krakra Pernishki.
In Pleven, a solemn ritual was held on the square "Stefan Stambolov" with the participation of military personnel from the Pleven garrison. The ritual began with a performance by the municipal choir.
In Plovdiv, a historical reenactment of the events of 1908 by the Committee "Patriotism" took place. The ceremony took place on the “September 22“ square, where the Column of Independent Bulgaria is located.
In Razgrad, wreaths and flowers were laid in front of the Soldiers' Monument.
In Svishtov, a military ritual was held to mark 117 years since the declaration of Bulgaria's Independence.
In Sliven, a solemn ceremony was held on the central city square “Hadji Dimitar“.
In Stara Zagora, a concert by the Municipal Brass Band was held.
In Troyan, a commemorative ceremony was held in front of the “Villa Vanna“ memorial complex in honored the holiday.
Tryavna celebrated September 22 with a reading of the manifesto for the declaration of independence and an honorary salute.
Targovishte celebrated Independence Day with a walk in the city's past and entertainment in the Parka area.
In Haskovo, the day was celebrated with a solemn ritual of laying wreaths and flowers in front of the Monument to the Unknown Soldier.
In Shumen, members of the Patriotic Committee “Khan Krum Strashniy“ presented a living painting in front of the Military Club building, dedicated to 117 years since the declaration of Bulgaria's Independence.
In Yambol, the anniversary was celebrated with a solemn ceremony at the Museum of Military Glory.