Bulgarian Independence Day (22/09)

Every year on September 22, Bulgaria celebrates the national holiday — Independence Day (Bulgarian). Den na Independents on Bulgaria).

This day marks the anniversary of the proclamation of the sovereign Bulgarian kingdom in 1908. Until this time, the Bulgarian Principality was formally a vassal of the Ottoman Empire and in all foreign policy acts asked for the approval of the Turkish Sultan.

On September 22, 1908, the Bulgarian Prince Ferdinand read out the Manifesto on the Independence of Bulgaria in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. From that moment on, the country changed the form of the principality to a kingdom.

Soon Ottoman Turkey and all other Great Forces of Europe officially recognized the Kingdom of Bulgaria. The country began to experience a rapid national upsurge, which, however, lasted for a short time — 5 years later the Balkan Wars began, followed by the First World War. These wars brought national disasters to Bulgaria.

In the modern history of the country, the Independence Day began to be celebrated in 1998. The main Independence Day celebrations are usually held not in Sofia, but in the city of Veliko Tarnovo at the Bulgarian Independence Monument. As a rule, they begin with a solemn reading of the Manifesto, and on the evening of September 22, the city's Tsarevets hill is illuminated by thousands of multi-colored spotlights. A theatrical performance takes place here in the open air. Also, festive events and various celebrations traditionally take place throughout the country.

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