Events across Bulgaria mark 150 years of the April Uprising

2026 marks the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising – an important event in Bulgarian history, which made the whole world turn its attention to a small people, suffocating under five centuries of Ottoman oppression. Called a peak in the national liberation movement of the Bulgarians, the April Epopee led to the Russo-Turkish War of 1878, which liberated the country and to the revival of one of the oldest state traditions in the world and in Europe.

The uprising, which has remained in history as an emanation of the freedom-loving Bulgarian spirit, broke out on April 20, 1876 in Koprivshtitsa. This is also the date on which, 150 years later, with numerous events throughout Bulgaria, we bow to the feat of our ancestors. Historical re-enactments, exhibitions, literary and musical programs, student competitions, quizzes, and open history lessons are organized in various settlements.

"Freedom contains within itself everything that is truly good, most truly useful, everything that is most truly glorious, everything that is truly holy. Without freedom, not only does no nation have the right to be called a nation, but even man himself, who does not have his own free will, has no right to be called a man," wrote Bulgarian poet and revolutionary Lyuben Karavelov. These views on freedom, as well as many other thoughts of prominent figures of Bulgaria’s national liberation movement, reach the general public through special videos - part of the National Campaign "150 Years of the April Uprising" of the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Culture. It includes popular figures from contemporary Bulgarian public and cultural life.

The central event in the program of the national celebration of the April Epopee is a grand concert on April 20 in Hall 1 of the National Palace of Culture. Soloists will be soprano Krassimira Stoyanova and violinist Svetlin Roussev, who will share the stage with the Symphony Orchestra and Mixed Choir of the Bulgarian National Radio. Part of the program will be works by Dobri Hristov, Pancho Vladigerov, Parashkev Hadjiev, Lyubomir Pipkov and Marin Goleminov.

Compiled by: Yoan Kolev