site.btaBulgaria Celebrates Independence Day

Veliko Turnovo, Northern Bulgaria, September 22 (BTA) - The former Bulgarian capital Veliko Turnovo was the main venue of Friday's observances of the 109th anniversary of Bulgaria's Independence. Celebrations were held across the country.

On September 22, 1908, Bulgaria shook off the last remaining vassal dependencies linking it to the Ottoman Empire and became an independent kingdom. The act came three decades after Bulgaria's liberation from Ottoman rule in 1878.

In Veliko Turnovo's Church of the Forty Holy Martyrs, where Prince Ferdinand's Independence Manifesto was first read out in 1908, visitors paid floral tributes to the tomb of King Kaloyan (reigned 1197-1207). The flags of Veliko Turnovo University and other institutions received ceremonial blessings.

Later, a military ritual was held at the Tsarevets Fortress in the town. The national flag was raised during the ceremony.

Vice President Iliana Iotova said in a statement in Veliko Turnovo that September 22 poses a challenge to contemporary politicians. According to Iotova, the proclamation of the Independence is a rare source of national confidence and optimism.

She said: "The citizens of Bulgaria want our nation to be strong and the institutions to work for them. Europe needs the determination of independent states, of partners that can build a fairer and safer future for the children. Only truly independent citizens can defend and build the independent history of our beautiful country."

In a separate statement, National Assembly Deputy Chair Tsveta Karayancheva said Bulgaria achieved its Independence through the concerted efforts of its people and their leaders. "Nowadays, too, the politicians must be responsible and must seek unity," she added.

The observances in Veliko Turnovo were attended by members of all parliamentary groups, ministers, other government officials, NGO representatives, foreign diplomats and many members of the general public. The town mayor, Daniel Panov, and official guests laid wreaths and flowers at the Pyramid of Independence. Local students put a garland at the Memorial of Mother Bulgaria. A concert was held on an outdoor stage in front of Town Hall. The closing event was a grand sound-and-light show.

In a greetings message on Facebook, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov wrote: "Bulgaria has gone through many difficult moments in its history, but the strong spirit and the will of its people have always triumphed after adverse events and have added impetus to our development."