BULGARIA MARKS 107 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

The independence of Bulgaria from the Ottoman Empire was proclaimed on 22 September, 1908, by Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria.

In 1878, when liberated from Ottoman rule, Bulgaria was granted autonomy as the Principality of Bulgaria. Thirty years later, the independence of Bulgaria was formally proclaimed at the Holy Forty Martyrs Church in the old capital, Veliko Turnovo. As a result, Bulgaria's status was promoted to that of a kingdom. Ferdinand would adopt the title of Tsar (King).

As a tradition, the celebrations dedicated to Bulgaria’s Independence Day take place on the night of 22nd of September in the city of Veliko Turnovo, where on that date 107 years ago, independence was proclaimed.

The day is a public holiday and is marked with various events across the country including concerts, wreath-laying at monuments, special church services, open-air performances and other activities.