Bulgaria celebrated 140 years of the Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia. Celebrations were held on September 5 and 6 in various cities in the country.
Unification is our inspiration, united we have succeeded and only united will we remain, said President Rumen Radev in his speech on the occasion of 140 years of the Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia in Plovdiv. I believe that united, we will all overcome today's shortcomings and together we will build Bulgaria in the testaments of our ancestors - a free, democratic, just, prosperous Bulgaria, he added. I believe that we will overcome the eternal divisions that make us vulnerable from the outside, and today these faults are dangerous for the state, the president pointed out.
140 years after the Unification, Bulgarians are again complaining about the derebei, and the Great Powers are again arguing about spheres of influence. Times are critical and we must admit that there are political brokers ready to spend our future to buy someone else's blessing, to sacrifice sovereignty, the treasury, even our identity - everything that Levski, Benkovski, Botev and Zahari Stoyanov and all the associates of the Unification fought for, Rumen Radev was categorical.
Together we can do more than each of us individually, said to BTA on the occasion of today's holiday the Speaker of the National Assembly Natalia Kiselova, who was an official guest of the XIX International Fair of Traditional Crafts at the Regional Open-Air Ethnographic Museum (REMO) “Etar“ near Gabrovo. Traditionally, on Unification Day it is said that only united can we achieve our national goals, but there are other messages that can be read from the distance of time. Namely, that the Bulgarian national interest sometimes prevails over the international situation, as was the case when the Berlin Treaty was violated, when the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia were united, Kiselova pointed out. She recalled the words of one of the figures of the Unification - Zahari Stoyanov, later Chairman of the National Assembly, who said that the revolution goes hand in hand with the rules and legislation.
Let's be united, Bulgarian politicians called on the Unification Day.
Blagoevgrad
If we want Bulgaria to survive, we must remember that division is the greatest danger, and unification - our greatest strength, said in a speech on the occasion of 140 years since the Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia, the Deputy Mayor of Blagoevgrad Stanislav Kimchev. He also noted the subsequent war declared by Serbia, encouraged by foreign powers, as well as the defense of the Unification with the blood and glory of the fallen Bulgarian soldiers. “Thus, the Unification became not just an act of courage, but proof that Bulgaria can determine its own destiny“, the deputy mayor of Blagoevgrad also pointed out.
Varna
Varna is the city in which, on September 6, 1885, Prince Alexander Battenberg officially announced the news of the Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia. At that time, the ruler was in the summer palace “Sandrovo“. He received a telegram about the events in Plovdiv and reported on what had happened to a huge crowd from the balcony of the then Telegraph and Post Office in the seaside city. The building now houses the State Archives, and a bas-relief of Prince Battenberg is placed on it.
The events of 140 years ago were recalled today at the celebrations held in Varna, which began with the performance of the march "Shumi Maritsa" by the representative brass band of the military fleet. Wreaths and flowers were laid in front of the memorial plaque of Prince Battenberg, after which the guests joined the festive procession to the Monument to the Fallen in the Serbo-Bulgarian War. A military ritual was held there. A requiem prayer for those who fell for the freedom of the Motherland was served by priests from the Varna and Veliko Preslav Metropolises, after which wreaths and flowers were presented.
Vidin
The Day of the Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia was celebrated with a solemn ceremony in front of the monument to the Grieving Warrior in Vidin. A solemn speech on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of the Unification of Bulgaria was delivered by the Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Vidin, Borislava Borisova. According to her, the celebrations in Vidin are held every year at a memorable and emblematic place - in front of the monument to the Grieving Warrior. It is unique because the victorious soldier does not rejoice in the victory, but mourns the sacrifices made.
The Chairman of the Municipal Council Svetoslav Slavchev and the Municipal Councilor Kalin Videnov are the initiators of the proposal for Vidin to be declared by the National Assembly as the “City of Bulgarian Battle Glory" on the occasion of the celebration of the 140th anniversary of the Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia.
Pernik
The unification is a vivid example that our ancestors felt pain from the disunity. This was stated by Patriarch Daniil, who today led the festive holy liturgy in the church "St. Nicholas of Myra" in the village of Rebro in Breznička. According to him, today's society is not only divided, but also reconciled. "Everyone has closed in and lives for themselves, and our ancestors could not sit still when they saw the people divided and worked hard. Everything was against them, and the people were alone with God and succeeded. Then they defended this cause of the Unification during the Serbian-Bulgarian War," said Patriarch Daniil. He emphasized that today it is important to have love for God and for people in order to receive God's blessing.
Plovdiv
The celebrations in Plovdiv began with a solemn prayer service in the cathedral church of the “Assumption of the Virgin“. On the occasion of the holiday, Bishop Polycarp greeted the laity on behalf of the Plovdiv Metropolitan Nikolai and wished everyone health, peace, unity and Christ's love. According to him, today's message is for our people to seek what unites them.
A prayer service was also held in front of the monument to Gavril Krastevich in the courtyard of the church. The celebration ended with the laying of wreaths and flowers in front of the monument.
On the occasion of the 140th anniversary of the Unification of Bulgaria, Elisaveta Georgieva, a teacher and master in the making of historical flags, donated a specially made hand-embroidered flag of the Unification to the Mayor of Plovdiv Kostadin Dimitrov, the municipal administration announced. The flag was made with purl thread entirely by hand using the technology of Raina Knyaginya, embroidered with the inscription “Union makes strength“, two lions, roses, an oak wreath and a cross - signs of the strength, faith and unification of the Bulgarian people.
The celebrations continued with the ceremonial laying of wreaths and flowers at the memorial plaque of Major Raycho Nikolov next to the “Roman Stadium” square, as well as at the monument to Zahari Stoyanov in the City Garden. A solemn speech about the life and work of Major Raycho Nikolov was delivered by Stoyan Ivanov, director of the Historical Museum in Plovdiv. After that, those present paid tribute, and flowers and wreaths were presented by the mayor of Plovdiv Kostadin Dimitrov, the regional governor Prof. Hristina Yancheva, and the district and deputy mayors of the city.
With a historical reenactment, members of the "Patriotism" committee recreated in front of the Military Club on "Central" square in Plovdiv the events of September 6, 1885. 140 years ago, troops commanded by Major Danail Nikolaev, a detachment led by Chardafon the Great, established control over Plovdiv and, without encountering resistance, overthrew the government and the governor-general Gavril Krastevich. Without military action, they carried out the Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia. The proclamation of the Unification was also read. The members of the new provisional Bulgarian government were also announced by proclamation. Traditionally, the participants in the reenactment marched along the main street in Plovdiv to the sounds of the kaba bagpipes and danced to the horo.
A solemn inspection-dawn marked 140 years since the Unification and the City Festival. "In the second half of the 19th century, Plovdiv was called the symbolism, the heart of the Bulgarian spirit and the spiritual elite of Bulgaria. Our ancestors were not affected by the fact that Plovdiv was the capital of Eastern Rumelia, by the possibility of being the capital of an Ottoman vilayet", said the mayor of the city, Kostadin Dimitrov, in his speech in front of the Unification monument in Plovdiv, where the culmination of the celebrations on the occasion of 140 years since the Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria with Eastern Rumelia took place. The mayor pointed out that the Unification in Europe announced in Plovdiv was accepted as a natural impulse of the Bulgarians for freedom and unity. "Unification is a bold, almost reckless, but completely fair act. This is the first successful attempt to overcome the status quo and from a specific event it is turning into national symbolism", said Dimitrov. According to the mayor, what happened in Plovdiv 140 years ago shows the world that Bulgarians know how to take their destiny into their own hands. Both before and now, Plovdiv has always been an example of unity, because we, the people of Plovdiv, bear a special responsibility, the mayor also pointed out, adding that the city not only carries the spirit of the Unification, but also confidently looks forward.
Wreaths and flowers were laid in front of the Unification Monument on behalf of President Rumen Radev, the Speaker of the National Assembly Natalia Kiselova, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, Vice President Iliyana Yotova, ministers, members of parliament, the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency, military and patriotic organizations, political parties, and grateful Bulgarians.
Ruse
Unification Day was marked with a solemn ceremony, reenactments and an exhibition in Ruse. A ceremony in front of the Monument to the Fallen in the Serbo-Bulgarian War on “Prince Alexander Battenberg“ Square marked the beginning of the celebrations. A guard of honor was erected on site by those serving in Military Formation 32420 Ruse, and the vicar of the Metropolitan of Ruse, Nahum Makarii, and priests from the Holy Metropolis of Ruse served a requiem prayer in memory of the fallen and a prayer of thanksgiving.
Immediately after the ceremony in front of the building of the Regional History Museum, the reenactment “Ruse Heroes in Defense of the Unification“ was held, organized by the National Community Center “Stefan Karadzha – 2018“ and the National Society “Tradition“ - branch “Angel Kanchev“. In front of the museum building, nearly 30 volunteers became part of the living picture, recreating the city on the eve of the memorable September 6, 1885 and the joy of welcoming the news of the Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia.
Later, in the “Ruse“ hall of the History Museum, the thematic exhibition entitled “First Victory of Modern Bulgaria“ was opened.
Sofia
A monument to Gen. Vladimir Vazov was opened in Sofia on the Day of Unification. The event was attended by the Mayor of Sofia Vasil Terziev, the Minister of Justice Georgi Georgiev, the Deputy Minister of Culture Todor Chobanov, the Executive Director of “Siela Norma” Veselin Todorov, the Director General of the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency Kiril Valchev, municipal councilors and citizens.
The monument is located on “Vladimir Vazov“ Blvd., on the corner with “Panayot Hitov“ St. The monument was created by sculptor Boris Borisov, and the project was implemented on the initiative and with the donor support of “Siela Norma“. Its installation was approved by a decision of the Sofia Municipal Council.
The unification of Bulgaria was marked with a minute of silence and the laying of wreaths on behalf of state institutions, parliamentary groups, etc.
With a minute of silence and the laying of wreaths in front of the ossuary of Prince Alexander I Battenberg in the capital, 140 years of the unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia were marked. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Justice Georgi Georgiev, Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev, MPs, and guests.
Now, 140 years later, I wish that we choose not only to be united, but to be united, because we owe this to future generations and I believe that we have the strength to do so and to build a prosperous Bulgaria that can benefit from everything that is happening in the changing world. This was said by Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev during a solemn ceremony in front of the ossuary of Prince Alexander I Battenberg.
Stara Zagora
Stara Zagora celebrated 140 years since the Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia with a city-wide ritual. The official ceremony was held in the courtyard of Military Formation 24 150 – Second Tundzha Mechanized Brigade, where the Monument to the Fallen in the Serbian-Bulgarian War is located.
Before the ceremony in the yard of the Second Tundzha Mechanized Brigade, a festive procession was organized through the streets of Stara Zagora.
On September 6, the Stara Zagora villages of Pryaporets, Ostra Mogila, Hristiyanovo, Malko Kadievo and Strelets will also celebrate their holiday. Festive programs will take place in the squares in the centers of the settlements.
Haskovo
The 140th anniversary of the Unification was marked with a solemn ritual of laying wreaths and flowers at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier in Haskovo. In the ceremony on the central square “Svoboda“ military personnel from formation 52 740 in Haskovo and 22 280 - Koren participated. The Haskovo Brass Band also participated in the festive celebration. After the end of the official part, a Bulgarian horo dance was performed under the accompaniment of musicians from the Folk Orchestra of the Haskovo Municipality.
On September 5
Veliko Tarnovo
In Veliko Tarnovo, the anniversary of the Unification was celebrated on September 5, and for the first time in its 40-year history, the audio-visual spectacle "Sound and Light" by Tsarevets was presented with live music. The performance was attended by the Speaker of the National Assembly Natalia Kiselova, MPs Dimitar Nikolov and Mariana Boyadzhieva, as well as the mayor of the old capital Daniel Panov.
The music was performed by the Ruse State Opera and guest musician Teodosii Spasov under the baton of maestro Vladimir Boshnakov. The concert featured works by great Bulgarian composers associated with Veliko Tarnovo and presented over the years on the open stage in the palace of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. The evening ended with festive illuminations and thunderous applause from the audience.
Pleven
A concert dedicated to the 140th anniversary of the Unification took place in Pleven on September 5. The Pleven Philharmonic Orchestra, the Municipal Choir “Gena Dimitrova“, the vocal formation “Geomarchalo“, the Northern Folk Song and Dance Ensemble “Ivan Valev“, the Municipal Brass Orchestra and the Children's Choir “Zvanika“ took part in the program. The conductor of the concert and the author of the arrangements is Georgi Miltiyadov.
Plovdiv
The 56th anniversary of the declaration of the village of Golyamo Konare as the town of Unification was celebrated with a historical reenactment and a fireworks display on September 5. The celebrations on the central square in Saedinenie on the occasion of the municipal holiday and 140 years since the Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia began in the morning.
The celebrations began at 9:00 a.m. with the raising of the national flag on "Saedinenie" Square, and a little later the Municipal Council held a solemn session. At 7:30 p.m. in the church "St. Athanasius" a memorial service was held in memory of the participants in the Unification. A ritual of carrying the flag of the Golyamokonarska detachment was also performed, accompanied by a procession to "Saedinenie" Square. There, those present had the opportunity to see a historical reenactment of moments from the Unification.
At the end of the official part of the celebration, wreaths and flowers were laid at the monument, and the evening ended with the traditional lighting ceremony and a musical program.
Vice President Iliana Yotova participated on September 5 in the solemn celebration of the Unification of Bulgaria in the Rhodope village of Parvenets. "Today, the inscription on the facade of the Bulgarian National Assembly "Unification makes strength" is not just an inscription in golden letters, it is not just an emblem of the suffering Bulgarian fate, it is not just our testament to the generations after us. It is something much more, it is an oath between us Bulgarians, which we must take, because it means that we can only succeed when we are together in both difficulties and successes", said Yotova in her speech.
Sliven
With a procession with a 140-meter Bulgarian flag, Sliven celebrated 140 years since the Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia on September 5. Representatives of folklore clubs and the Regional Club “Hadji Dimitar“ of the National Community Center “Tradiciya“ participated in the celebration. The procession passed along the central boulevards and ended at "Hadji Dimitar" Square, where a city-wide ceremony took place.
In his speech, Mayor Stefan Radev emphasized that the Unification is "an amazing feat that largely shaped the modern borders of Bulgaria" and an example that "when we act united, we can achieve anything, even against the will of the great powers".