Bulgaria Celebrates 137 years since Unification

Today marks 137 years since the declaration of independence of Eastern Rumelia from the Ottoman Empire and its union with the Principality of Bulgaria. In major cities throughout the country, the Bulgarian flag will be solemnly raised, military rituals will be performed and wreaths will be laid in memory of the dead.

On September 6, 1885, the Bulgarian people resisted the injustice imposed by the clauses of the Berlin Treaty and took a step towards national unification. On this date, which has become a symbol of the unity of the Bulgarians, the Union of the Principality of Bulgaria with Eastern Rumelia took place - an event that gave impetus to the upward development of the restored state. Later, Konstantin Irechek will write: "No one can accuse the Bulgarians of being a nation incapable of state life, and that their freedom is something charismatic."

The day was declared an official holiday of the country by a decision of the National Assembly of February 18, 1998.

The celebration in Plovdiv

In Plovdiv, the so-called capital of the Unification, the celebrations traditionally begin with a prayer service, which was celebrated at 10 a.m. in the "Assumption" Cathedral. The Regional History Museum will open two of its expositions for free - "Unification of Bulgaria from 1885." on "Unification" (Saedinenie) Square and "Bulgarian Revival" exhibition on "Tsanko Lavrenov" Street in the old town.

The culmination of the celebrations will be the fireworks display starting at 20:30 p.m. at Saedinenie Square.

President Rumen Radev will take part in it, his press office announced, as he will accept the rank of honor and deliver a speech. Vice President Iliana Yotova will also attend the ceremony.

Plovdiv...