site.btaToday's Observances: October 28-29

OCTOBER 28

The world:

• Czech Republic's Independence Day. Foundation of independent Czechoslovak State (1918).

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1944: In Moscow, Bulgaria signs armistice with Allies (USSR, Britain and the United States) during World War II (1939-1945). 

1989: Three Bulgarian mountaineers, Peter Panayotov, Lyudmil Yanakiev and Ognyan Stoykov climb the Himalayan eight-thousander Annapurna (8,091 m). The group initially consists of four people, but Milen Metkov is forced to turn back because of frostbite. On the way down, the three meet Metkov, who has decided to try the climb again. His friend Ognyan Stoykov decides to go with him or to persuade him to give up. They both die.

1992: Filip Dimitrov's government loses a no-confidence vote.

OCTOBER 29

The world:

• National Day of Turkiye: Republic Day (1923).

Bulgaria:

• Bessarabian Bulgarians Day.

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1838: Transfiguration Church consecrated in Bolhrad, Ukraine. Erected with voluntary labour by 10,000 Bulgarian immigrants.

1886: Prince Valdemar of Denmark elected Prince of Bulgaria but declines throne due to Russia's disapproval.

2003: Bulgarian Socialist Party becomes full member of Socialist International.

2006: Second round of voting in presidential elections. The tandem of Georgi Parvanov and Angel Marin garner 75.95 per cent of vote to win second term as President and Vice President. Opponents Volen Siderov and Pavel Shopov win 24.05 per cent.

2007: Bulgarian version of single European currency's name, evro, finally adopted for EU documents.