The national flag was raised in a military ceremony at Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo on Wednesday to mark the 118th anniversary of Bulgaria’s independence. Parliament Chair Mihaela Dotsova reviewed the honour guard formed by cadets from the National Military University.
“Independence must be defended every day and depends on firm resolve and the wisdom of our decisions,” Dotsova said in her address.
She said there were events that remained turning points for a nation. “We are here today to bow our heads before majestic Tsarevets and mark one of the strongest moments in Bulgarian history,” Dotsova said.
She noted that the national ideal was linked to a free, united and equal state. Recalling the events of September 22, 1908, Dotsova said independence was an act of strong statesmanship demonstrating the determination of the Bulgarian people and showing that they were ready and able to write their own history.
“Independence is, in fact, the most brilliant act of Bulgarian diplomacy – an act that demonstrates the foresight of the Bulgarian statesman, but also a determination for the future,” Dotsova said.
She stressed that present generations should not take independence for granted. “With our heads bowed before previous generations, we must be grateful and know that it must be defended every day,” Dotsova said.
According to her, today independence is also defended by protecting national interests within the alliances to which Bulgaria belongs. Independence means ensuring security and prosperity for the Bulgarian people, she said.
Veliko Tarnovo Mayor Daniel Panov said independence was unity, spirit and proof of the strength of solidarity. It was not merely a historical act, but a responsibility that must be upheld every day, he said in his address marking the anniversary.
Panov said September 22 was a date that Bulgarians remembered and honoured as an act that defined the nation. “118 years ago, the entire Bulgarian people declared loudly: Bulgaria is an independent state,” he said.
According to Panov, the Manifesto proclaiming independence was filled with words of courage spoken precisely in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s historical and spiritual capital. He recalled the city’s importance to Bulgarian statehood and culture, as well as the legacy of the medieval Bulgarian rulers and the Tarnovo Literary School.
“It was here, at the Church of the Holy Forty Martyrs and at Tsarevets Fortress, that Bulgaria once again showed that it could determine its own path and be a free and equal state with a proud people,” the Mayor said.
Panov said September 22 had long transcended the framework of official ceremonies and rituals and had become one of Bulgaria’s most cherished holidays. “September 22 brings Bulgarians together. It fills us with pride and makes us dream,” he said.
The celebrations began with a liturgy at the Church of the Holy Forty Martyrs. The flags of the National Military University and public institutions were blessed and sprinkled with holy water. Official guests laid flowers at the tomb of Tsar Kaloyan in the churchyard.
The Manifesto proclaiming Bulgaria’s independence by Tsar Ferdinand was read before the gathered crowd. Members of Parliament, representatives of institutions and many citizens attended the celebrations.
Wreaths and flowers were laid at the pyramid monument erected in honour of the historic act. A festive procession then set off from Tsarevets Fortress towards the city centre.
Bulgaria Marks 118th Anniversary of Independence with Ceremonies in Veliko Tarnovo 2026 THE NEWS FROM BULGARIA – NEWS AGENCY 2009-2025 2026-09-22 09:22:00
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