On 3 March Bulgarians celebrate their Liberation Day or National Day of Bulgaria. This public holiday is officially called the Day of Liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman Dominion as it commemorates the Bulgarian volunteers who fought and liberated their country during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. This was the end of the Ottoman rule which lasted for nearly 500 years.
More precisely, 3 March marks the date when the Treaty of San Stefano was signed in 1878. This peace treaty put an end to the hostilities and was signed between Russia and the Ottoman Empire, which declared Bulgaria as an independent and free state, despite being a subject state under the Ottoman Empire.
This holiday also symbolises the start of spring and is traditionally celebrated by ceremonies across Bulgaria, especially in those cities and towns where the most violent battles took place during the war. The Shipka Pass in the Balkan Mountains is at the heart of the celebrations since it was there that the most crucial battle took place. In the country’s capital Sofia there are always wreath-laying ceremonies and a military march that honours those who sacrificed their lives for the country. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church holds special liturgies and services on this special day.
Did you know?
- Bulgaria is one of the oldest countries in Europe – the First Bulgarian Empire dates back to 681 AD.
- Contrary to most western cultures, Bulgarians express agreement by shaking their heads and disagreement by nodding.
- Bulgarian cuisine is famous for its yogurt – which isn’t surprising since the main bacterium used for yogurt production was discovered by a Bulgarian and named after the country (Lactobacillus bulgaricus).
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