Bulgaria Liberation Day 2023: Date, History, Facts

Every year, on March 3, the Bulgarian Liberation Day is observed. In 1878, the Treaty of San Stefano recognised Bulgaria’s independence. During the Russo-Turkish War, Bulgaria was liberated from nearly 500 years of Ottoman rule by Bulgarian volunteers aided by Russian and Romanian soldiers. This festival honours those volunteers (1877-1878).

The background of Bulgaria Liberation Day

About 681 A.D., Bulgaria unified into what is now known as the First Bulgarian Empire. The Second Bulgarian Empire existed from 1185 to 1396 before falling to the Ottoman Empire. Almost 500 years ago, Bulgaria was ruled by the Ottoman Empire.

In 1875 and 1876, two failed Ottoman uprisings resulted in the deaths of approximately 15,000 Bulgarians. In 1877, Czar Alexander II led Russia against the Ottomans, and on March 3, 1878, the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire signed the Treaty of San Stefano following fierce conflicts and significant casualties. As a result of the pact, the Principality of Bulgaria, also known as the Third Bulgarian State, was established.

It was the first of several steps towards independence for Bulgaria. The Great Powers opposed the influence of the San Stefano Treaty, and it was replaced by the Treaty of Berlin on July 13.

Nevertheless, on March 3, 1878, Bulgaria achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire and was able to establish its leadership, government, and culture. On March 3, 1880, Prince Alexander of Battenberg was elected as Bulgaria’s first ruler.

The 3 March 1878 Treaty of San Stefano obliged the Ottoman Empire to recognise the re-founding of the Bulgarian state that had been conquered during the Bulgarian–Ottoman Wars of the 1300s. First designated as the Day of the Assassination of Emperor Alexander II and the Signing of the San Stefano Peace Treaty on February 19, 1880.

In 1888, on the occasion of its tenth anniversary, the Principality of Bulgaria declared its Liberation Day. Not until 1978 did it begin to be observed on a national scale. The Chairman of the State Council issued Decree 236 declaring it a national holiday on February 27, 1990, and it went into effect on March 5, 1990.

Liberation Day is observed with festivities across the nation, especially in smaller communities. The majority of these small towns were virtually destroyed during the war for independence, and it is a solemn occasion to remember the oppression, struggle, and liberation. People frequently leave flowers and messages on Bulgarian Liberation Monuments, and many also set off fireworks to commemorate the occasion.

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5 facts about Bulgaria that will astound you

• Bulgaria is the oldest country in Europe, and its name has remained unchanged since its founding.
• Instead of nodding, Bulgarians indicate their approval by shaking their heads.
• Bulgaria holds the record for the most natural mineral springs in Continental Europe, with approximately 600.
• Cyril and Methodius, two famous Bulgarian monks, created the Cyrillic alphabet.
• Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is the second-oldest city in Europe, having been founded 7,000 years ago.

BULGARIA LIBERATION DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	March 3	Friday
2024	March 3	Sunday
2025	March 3	Monday
2026	March 3	Tuesday
2027	March 3	Wednesday