Sofia Schools to Close on September 17 for City Celebration

Sofia's mayor, Vasil Terziev, has declared September 17, Tuesday, as a non-school day for all schools within the Sofia municipality. This decision, which was announced this afternoon and posted on the Regional Department of Education-Sofia's website shortly after 4 p.m., means that students will not have classes but will still be required to attend school. The enforcement of this order will be overseen by the deputy mayor responsible for "Culture, education, sports, and youth activities."

September 17 marks Sofia's Day, a celebration honoring the holy martyrs Faith, Hope, and Love, and their mother Sofia, as well as the city's own feast day. In observance of this occasion, a ceremonial blessing with holy water will take place in the Bulgarian capital. To accommodate the event, traffic restrictions will be in effect from 8:00 p.m. on September 16 until the end of the event on September 17. Standing and parking will be prohibited in several areas, including the northwestern arc of St. Alexander Nevsky between Oborishte Street and 11 August Street, and the northern arc between 11 August Street and Dunav Street. Additionally, vehicle entry will be banned from 07:00 a.m. on September 17 along Oborishte Street between Vasil Levski Blvd. and St. Alexander Nevsky, and along 11 August Street between Moskovska Street and St. Alexander Nevsky.

The city holiday was established by the Metropolitan Municipal Council on March 25, 1992, to honor the martyrs Faith, Hope, and Love, and their mother Sofia, symbolizing the virtues of faith, hope, love, and wisdom.

According to legend, in the late 1st century, a devout Christian woman named Sophia lived in Rome with her three daughters, who were named after Christian virtues: Faith, Hope, and Love. They openly...