Bulgarian flag raised on Tsarevets Hill to mark 118 years of independence

Celebrations marking 118 years since Bulgaria declared independence began with a liturgy at the Church of the Holy Forty Martyrs in Veliko Tarnovo, where the historic declaration was made in 1908.

The blessing of the flags and a reading of the Manifesto of Independence, through which Prince Ferdinand proclaimed Bulgaria’s independence, were followed by a procession to the historic Tsarevets Hill. There, the Bulgarian tricolour was raised to the sound of the national anthem in the presence of members of the public and official guests.

“Independence is an act of strong statesmanship that demonstrates the determination of the Bulgarian people. It also shows that the Bulgarian people are ready and able to write their own history,” National Assembly Speaker Mihaela Dotsova said after reviewing the guard of honour formed by cadets from the National Military University.

• Prime Minister Radev: Independence belongs to those worthy of it

Independence Day is also being celebrated in Sofia and other cities. A ceremony was held at the Monument to Bulgaria’s Independence on Knyaz Alexander I Square in the capital, with performances by musical ensembles.

“To be independent means being able to make your own decisions, but also taking responsibility for their consequences. This applies to states, institutions and every one of us,” Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev said in his address.

Further reading:

• September 22, 1908: Bulgaria breaks free from Ottoman rule

Editor: Diana Tsankova