site.btaToday's Observances: March 13

Bulgaria:

- Day of Prof. Pancho Vladigerov National Academy of Music (patron's birthday in 1899).

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1921: Holy Synod of Bulgarian Orthodox Church adopts a decision to confer museum status on its collection of artefacts and archaeological finds (named National Museum of Ecclesiastic History and Archaeology by Council of Ministers decision in October 1968). Holds over 11,000 ancient icons, prints, woodcarvings, early books, church plate, photo albums and manuscripts of hierarchs and national awakeners.

1951: Union of the Blind in Bulgaria is established in Sofia at conference of blind support organizations.

1973: Council of Ministers and Central Council of Bulgarian Trade Unions issue decree introducing reduced working hours and five-day working week during Sixth Five-Year Plan (1971-1975) (process completed in 1974).

1981: National Astronomical Observatory opens on Mt. Rozhen (1,759 m) in Rhodope Mountains (Balkans' largest astronomical observatory).

1993: Pancho Vladigerov Foundation established in Shumen (Northeastern Bulgaria). It organizes national and international piano and violin competitions named after its patron.

1996: 37th National Assembly adopts State Receivables Collection Act, regulating authorities' powers to collect and levy execution for recovery of State receivables.

1997: Association of Bulgarian Commercial Radio Stations is set up (transformed into Association of Bulgarian Radio and Television Broadcasters (abbro) in October 2002).