On April 20, we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising, which resurrects the Bulgarian dream of freedom. The national cause, the selfless battles, the pride, the recognition that even failures and betrayals mark the events and years to this day.
„Panagyurishte was the right place where these young, brave, smart people proclaimed freedom and their 10-day republic. Panagyurishte does not adorn itself with the halo and wreath of a 10-day capital. It becomes the tear that is in the eyes of our people – which does not fall, but shines. It is precisely this most terrible Bulgarian memory that must be consecrated“, said in “120 Minutes“ the mayor of Panagyurishte Zhelyazko Gagov.
At that time, the population of Panagyurishte was over 15,000 people. The village had extremely developed trade and crafts.
“A decision was made to allow the churches there not to be dug in. An example of this is the church “St. George“. It was completed in 1860 and was built with the donations of various families“, said Gagov.
“Unfortunately, in the political arena, the history of Bulgaria is not understood as a temple in which we must quietly approach and express our worship. The celebration itself is not a holiday, but a pilgrimage. The main meaning of this worship is that after we bow our heads, we must raise them high“, said Zhelyazko Gagov.
“Politicians use populism as a “megaphone in church“. Our history is a temple and we must learn from examples“, he also said.