Bulgaria marks its national holiday with a series of nationwide events

 Bulgaria is marking its national holiday on March 3 with a series of events across the country. The Shipka Monument of Freedom will offer free entry and extended visiting hours. Everyone wishing to view the permanent exhibition will be able to do so immediately after the official ceremony for Bulgaria’s National Day, which is expected to conclude around 12:30 p.m. President Iliana Iotova will also pay tribute to the memory and heroism of Bulgarian volunteers and soldiers who died for the country’s freedom.

A cultural program is planned, featuring performances by Ensemble Bulgare, The Three Bulgarian Tenors and the folk ensemble “Detelini”.

In Sofia, starting at 11:00 a.m., caretaker Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov, Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov, and senior commanders of the Bulgarian Army will take part in a solemn ceremony to raise the National Flag of Bulgaria in front of the Monument to the Unknown Soldier.

At 12:00 p.m., a ceremonial changing of the guard of honor will take place in front of the Presidency of the Republic of Bulgaria. At 6:30 p.m., a ceremonial fireworks display will be held at Narodno Sabranie Square in Sofia.

Only on March 3, visitors to the National Museum of Military History will be able to see the original flag—the prototype of the Bulgarian tricolor.

Edited by Miglena Ivanova

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov