Bulgaria’s Liberation Day
March 3 · Level 10 · #120 of 2238
Bulgaria’s national holiday commemorates liberation from Ottoman rule and the restoration of Bulgarian statehood. Its date marks the signing of the Treaty of San Stefano in 1878, following the Russo-Turkish War, and honours those who fought in that struggle.
How it is celebrated: flag-raising ceremonies, wreath-laying and memorial services take place around the country. Many people visit the monument at Shipka to remember the defence of the mountain pass.
Liberation did not immediately bring full independence. Bulgaria first became an autonomous principality; independence was proclaimed in 1908 and is commemorated on a separate holiday.