Panagyurishte pays tribute to the heroes of the April Uprising

Commemorations of the April Uprising in Panagyurishte, the capital of the Fourth Revolutionary District, began on the morning of May 1 with a procession and the presentation of museum relics from the uprising.

The flag of Rayna Knyaginya, bearing the inscription “Freedom or Death”, and the silver cross from Poibrene were consecrated. Later, the ossuary of the Church of the Holy Presentation of the Virgin Mary hosted a memorial service for those who died in 1876.

Wreaths and garlands were laid at the Apriltsi Memorial Complex in the centre of Panagyurishte. This was followed by a flash mob, in which children performed the song “Where Are You, Faithful Love of the People.”

In the afternoon, the historical reenactment “Courage and Self-Sacrifice” took place, recreating the events of the April Uprising and the 10-day defence of the town.

A reenactment of living pictures from the uprising, involving more than 200 amateur performers from “Tradition” clubs, was also held in the town of Klisura.

President Iliana Iotova arrived in Panagyurishte to join the observances of the 150th anniversary of the uprising. At 8:30 p.m, in the April 20 Square, Bulgaria’s head of state and Supreme Commander-in-Chief will receive the honorary formation of the National Guards Unit. Iliana Iotova will deliver a speech, after which a ceremonial tattoo will take place on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov