site.btaToday's Observances: October 19

The Orthodox Church marks the feast day of St John of Rila the Miracle Worker.

Bulgaria:

- Bulgarian-Hungarian Friendship Day;

- National Doctors' Day.

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1886: The Third Grand National Assembly is opened in Veliko Turnovo to elect a new Prince of Bulgaria after the abdication of Alexander I of Battenberg.

1991: Diplomatic relations are established with the United Arab Emirates at embassy level.

2000: Switzerland's Liebherr Group puts into operation its Liebherr - Hausgeraete Maritsa freezer and refrigerator production plant near the southern village of Ravadinovo, Plovdiv Municipality.

2002: The last combat part of the CC-23, Skut, and FROG rocket systems is destroyed at the Zmeyovo training ground near Stara Zagora.

2006: By a decision of the Gabrovo Municipal Council, the House of Humour and Satire in the city changes its status from national cultural institute into Museum House of Humour and Satire.