Bulgarians nationwide mark 148 years since Liberation

“Shipka is a fortress of Bulgarian memory, immune to daily concerns, division, or hatred”, said President Iliana Iotova in her ceremonial address at the peak on the occasion of Bulgaria’s National Day.

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The 148th anniversary of Bulgaria’s Liberation was marked with celebrations across the country. Battle flags were raised in front of the Monument to the Unknown Soldier in Sofia during a military ceremony led by the Samara flag, which was carried by Bulgarian volunteers during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78.

The event was attended by caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov, Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov, Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov, politicians, and senior military officials. Among the guests were Patriarch Daniil, Grand Mufti Mustafa Hadzhi, and others.

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Patriarch Daniil emphasized that March 3 is a holiday of unity, as it brings together all Bulgarians, including those who were later separated from the living body of Bulgaria.

The celebrations will culminate at 6:30 p.m. at the Narodno Sabranie Square with a ceremonial fireworks display to mark the national holiday.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov