Veliko Tarnovo is the focal point of this year's celebrations of Independence Day

The festivities will open at 10:30 am with the raising of the national flag and a military ceremony at the Tsarevets Fortress, attended by Natalia Kiselova, Chair of the National Assembly. The day will conclude at 7:30 pm with a solemn military roll call and fireworks display in Tsar Asen I Square.

A festive parade and concerts also form part of the cultural programme. Military brass bands from Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey, participating in the 18th International Festival of Military Brass Bands in Veliko Tarnovo, will lead the parade from Tsarevets to the city centre before performing in front of the municipality building. Meanwhile, dozens of artisans will display their crafts at the Samovodska Charshia.

Celebrations are taking place across the country as well. In Sofia, the programme begins at 11:00 am in front of the “Independence of Bulgaria” monument on Knyaz Alexander I Square. Participants include the National Guard, the Svetoglas Quartet, the Sofia Brass Band of the Iskar Community Centre, among others.