site.btaBulgarian Embassy in Ukraine Marks National Awakeners' Day

A celebration on the occasion of National Awakeners' Day took place Thursday at the Embassy of Bulgaria in Kyiv, Ukraine, in which representatives of the ethno-cultural community of Bulgarians took part, the Bulgarian diplomatic mission reported on their Facebook page Friday. Attending the event were scientists, artists, Bulgarian language teachers, athletes, military and diplomats, all those who appreciate "Bulgaria's indomitable spirit, distinctive culture, deep traditions and rich and lively language, similar to Ukrainian", the Bulgarian Embassy said.

During his welcoming speech, Bulgaria’s former defence minister and chargé d'affaires in Ukraine Nikolay Nenchev stressed the importance of the nation's cultural identity, which is "capable of preserving the spirit and traditions of the people even through centuries of slavery."

Nenchev presented honorary diplomas to distinguished guests for their contribution to the promotion of the Bulgarian language and culture and for strengthening bilateral friendly ties.

Students from the Department of Slavic Studies of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, headed by board member of the Ukraine-Bulgaria Friendship Society Tatiana Dotsenko, performed a literary and musical programme.

Cadets and ladies from Lyceum Boarding School No. 23 Cadet Corps, named after Vladymir the Great, performed Bulgarian horo chain dance. 

Attending the celebration were also Ukrainian Olympic champion in canoeing Yuriy Cheban, two-time Olympic champion in gymnastics Oleg Verniaiev and a mountaineer who climbed Mount Everest, Tatyana Yalovchak.

"All attendees were united by an atmosphere of true friendship, sincerity and easy communication. Bulgarian and Ukrainian speech sounded in the hall and everyone understood each other well. Our nations are united by the glorious past, the turbulent present. The presence of children at this event created the feeling that the joint future of Ukraine and Bulgaria will certainly be a happy one", the Embassy noted.