Bulgaria marks 149th Anniversary of the Epic of Shipka

Shipka will once again bring together Bulgarians from across the country and abroad for the national commemoration marking the 149th anniversary of the Shipka Epic — a series of heroic battles fought to capture and defend the Shipka Pass during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878.

In Bulgaria’s historical memory, Shipka stands as a symbol of self-sacrifice and the struggle for liberation. The heroic defense of the pass played a decisive role in the outcome of the war and the restoration of Bulgarian statehood after nearly five centuries of Ottoman rule.

149 years later, on August 22, 2026, the commemorations will culminate at the Monument of Freedom (Shipka Monument), a memorial erected on Shipka Peak to honor those who gave their lives for Bulgaria’s freedom.

• “Heroes of Shipka” – acinematic history that bears witness to two eras

More than 400 members of the National Society “Tradition” will reenact the historic battles, following an official ceremony with the laying of wreaths and flowers. At the foot of the monument, visitors will be able to view an exhibition of military equipment and see formations of the Bulgarian Armed Forces.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a National Society “Tradition” camp will also be set up at the site, featuring a military command tent, uniforms and weapons, as well as a photo zone for visitors, the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) reports.

On August 22, transit traffic through the Shipka Pass will be restricted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will be able to access the area around the monument, with free bus services available from Gabrovo.

• Monuments of Bulgarian Liberty

Read also:

• Shipka and Buzludzha – the peaks one should definitely conquer
• Six generations of Bulgarians keep alive the memory of those who died in the Russo-Turkish War(1877-1878)

Edited by Elena Karkalanova

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov