Bulgaria Marks 118th Independence Day

On September 22, 1908, Bulgaria joined the family of independent states. After a prayer service at Tarnovo's historic Church of the Forty Holy Martyrs, in the presence of the Cabinet members, MPs and other officials, Prince Ferdinand I read a Manifesto which proclaimed the vassal Principality of Bulgaria an independent kingdom. 

In the course of 30 years, Bulgaria had gradually repudiated its vassal dependence on the Ottoman Empire, stopping to pay its annual tax, ignoring the capitulations regime, concluding international treaties and waging a war with Serbia without the Sultan's sanction and, most important of all, declaring a union with the Ottoman autonomous province of Eastern Rumelia on September 6, 1886. 

Bulgaria's independence was recognized by Russia (February 5, 1909), Turkey (April 6, 1909), Serbia and Montenegro (April 7, 1909), Britain, France and Italy (April 10, 1909), Germany and Austria-Hungary (April 16, 1909), and the United States (March 24, 1910).

The Bulgarian Constitution was brought into conformity with the proclaimed independence by the Fifth Grand National Assembly (June 9 - July 9, 1911).

Today's celebrations began with a liturgy at the Church of the Holy Forty Martyrs in Veliko Tarnovo. The flags of the National Military University and public institutions were blessed and sprinkled with holy water. Official guests laid flowers at the tomb of Tsar Kaloyan in the churchyard.

The Manifesto proclaiming Bulgaria’s independence by Tsar Ferdinand was read before the gathered crowd. Members of Parliament, representatives of institutions and many citizens attended the celebrations.

Wreaths and flowers were laid at the pyramid monument erected in honour of the historic act. A festive procession then set off from Tsarevets Fortress towards the city centre.

Photo: BGNES

In Sofia, the anniversary was marked with an official ceremony at the Independence of Bulgaria monument on Alexander I Square. The National Guards Unit took part, while the programme featured musical performances by vocal and instrumental ensembles. Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev delivered a speech. At noon, a ceremonial changing of the guard of honour took place in front of the Presidential Administration building.

In Varna, the celebrations were held at Independence Square, with the Bulgarian Navy and the Varna and Veliki Preslav Diocese among the organizers.

In Burgas, servicemen from the Navy, Air Force and Joint Special Operations Command participated in the ceremonies, including a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument to the 24th Black Sea Infantry Regiment.

The anniversary will also be marked in other cities across Bulgaria.

Bulgaria’s Independence Day was declared an official national holiday in 1998.