Independence Day of Bulgaria

Modern coat of arms of BulgariaThis day marks the anniversary of the proclamation of the sovereign Bulgarian Kingdom. Until then, the Bulgarian Principality was formally a vassal of the Ottoman Empire and in all foreign policy acts requested the approval of the Turkish Sultan.

On September 22, Bulgarian Prince Ferdinand read the Manifesto on the Independence of Bulgaria in Veliko Tarnovo. From that moment the country became a kingdom. Soon Ottoman Turkey and all the other Great Powers of Europe officially recognized the Kingdom of Bulgaria. The country began to experience a rapid rise, which lasted, however, for a short time - after 5 years the Balkan Wars began, and after them the First World War. These wars brought two national catastrophes to Bulgaria.

In the modern history of the country, Independence Day has been celebrated since 1998. Celebrations on the occasion of the holiday are usually held not in Sofia, but in Veliko Tarnovo near the Monument of Independence of Bulgaria. As a rule, they begin with a solemn reading of the Manifesto, and in the evening of September 22, the city hill Tsarevets is illuminated by thousands of colorful spotlights - there is a performance of an open-air light play "Sound and Light".

It is one of the youngest official holidays in the country, but it is already gaining its traditions.