Construction of the Rozhen Flagpole has commenced, the organizers of the initiative for building a 111-metre pole to fly the Bulgarian flag in the Rhodope Mountains, the Heritage in the Future Foundation (HFF) said Friday. The project is implemented through a national fundraising campaign entitled "Bulgaria Deserves!" and under the auspices of president Rumen Radev.
HFF Chairman Simeon Karakolev said: "On July 13 we will raise the energy of our flag to a height of 111 metres so that it can be seen from miles away and felt throughout Bulgaria." Specialized machines are being used for the 1,000 cu m excavations to shape the terrain for the foundations of the monument. The structure, at 1,430 metres above sea level, will be the tallest of its kind in the EU.
Another BGN 200,000 is needed for the completion of the project. The money should be raised by end-June. The inaugural ceremony on July 13 will feature a show with reenactment of historical events, a fireworks display and a concert of popular singer Lili Ivanova. The traditional Rozhen National Festival of Folklore, which this year will mark its 125th anniversary, will be held from July 14 to 16.
The flagpole weighing 110 tonnes will be topped by the flag of 1,110 sq m. The structure, comprised of 12 segments ranging from 8 to 12 metres long, will be able to withstand wind speeds of up to 180 km/h. With a height of 111 metres, the flagpole symbolizes Bulgaria's area of 111,000,000 sq km, as well as this year's 111th anniversary of the Rhodope's liberation from Ottoman rule.
BTA is a media partner for the project together with Bulgarian National Radio, Bulgarian National Television, the 24 Chasa daily, Radio Fresh, Radio FM+, Z-Rock and Melody.
/RY/
news.modal.text
