What Is the Day of National Revival Leaders in Bulgaria?
Source: Canva
Bulgaria has a day each year when it celebrates the contribution of its enlighteners, writers, and revolutionaries.
Initially, when this day was first designated as "special," it was a
tribute to the people from the time of the Bulgarian Revival, the
Liberation, and the first decades thereafter (the early 20th century).
Later, its scope expanded. It included cultural figures and
personalities from earlier periods and modern times who have made a significant contribution to the rise and preservation of the Bulgarian nation. Most often, the day is marked with a torchlight parade on November 1st.
On
the occasion of the holiday, many schools and educational institutions
organize special events and educational programs aimed at popularizing
the lives and work of famous Bulgarian personalities such as the holy
brothers Cyril and Methodius (invented the Cyrillic alphabet, Hristo Botev (writer and revolutionary), Vasil Aprilov (founder and main donor of the first Bulgarian secular school), Petar Beron (author of the first Bulgarian "fish" primer), Paisius Hilendarski (cleric), Geo Milev (poet), and many others.
The Origin of the Holiday
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Bulgarian people, who had recently gained their desired freedom, became aware of the achievements of the Revival-era enlighteners and revolutionaries. Their work had burn up the Bulgarian spirit, pushing it towards the determination to fight for national liberation. In many cities and villages, the population wanted to show their deserved gratitude.
In 1922, Stoyan Omarchevski, then the Minister of Public Enlightenment, proposed to the Council of Ministers to select November 1st as the Day of Bulgarian National Enlighteners. On that date, Bulgarians had previously celebrated the day of St. Ivan Rilski, considered the heavenly patron of the Bulgarian people and state. He remained in the public memory as an example of selflessness, altruism, and love for one's neighbor, and the homeland. The same year, the date was chosen as the national "holiday of Bulgarian enlighteners, a day to pay respect to the memory of the great Bulgarians, distant and close builders of modern Bulgaria."
Since 1991, the Union of Scientists in Bulgaria has also marked National Enlighteners' Day as Bulgarian Science Day. By the decision of the Union of Bulgarian Journalists, this day has also become Bulgarian Journalism Day.
National Enlighteners' Day serves as a reminder of the importance of education and cultural heritage in shaping the national identity and history of Bulgaria. It is also a day that highlights the role of education as a key factor in the progress and development of society.
Do you have a common celebration in your country? Share your example with us in the “Living Abroad” forum. Try to write your national holiday in the Bulgarian language.
Reneta, OLS Community Manager – Bulgarian
Source: Canva