Bulgarian university students celebrate their holiday

8 December is the day on which Bulgarian university students traditionally celebrate their holidays. The holiday is very popular in Bulgaria and often brings together not only current but also former students.

The day was first celebrated in 1903 as a holiday of the then only university in the Principality of Bulgaria - the Higher School, following a decision of the Academic Council on 30 November 1902.

Since then, even during the communist regime, it has been celebrated with torchlight processions and all-night parties. In the 21st century, it became popular for students to celebrate the holiday in the winter resorts of Bansko, Pamporovo and Borovets.

Police said they would be stepping up security around the holiday, with more checks on the roads for unlicensed, drugged or drunk drivers.