site.btaBulgarian Spirit Takes Over Wall Street for Liberation Day

The Bulgarian community in New York gathered at the iconic Charging Bull statue on Wall Street for the third consecutive year to celebrate Bulgaria’s Liberation Day, the Bulgarian Consulate General in New York said on its Facebook page on Sunday.

The flags of Bulgaria and the United States were raised to the sounds of both national anthems, performed a cappella by Bulgarian actor and music teacher Gina DiDonato.

The community was greeted by Metropolitan Yosif of the United States, Canada, and Australia, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Commissioner for International Affairs Edward Mermelstein, and Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to the UN Ambassador Lachezara Stoeva.

In his Liberation Day speech, Bulgarian Consul General in New York Angel Angelov quoted Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov’s video address to Bulgarians abroad, stating that "we are separated by distance but not divided." He added that neither the 7,000-kilometre distance nor the seven-hour time difference matter "when our hearts beat faster in the unique 7/8 rhythm upon hearing a Bulgarian horo."

The celebration also honoured the traditional Bulgarian holiday of Baba Marta, and all guests received Bulgarian martenitsas. The ceremony was led by Ibrahim Kurtulus, Vice President of the Bowling Green Association that manages the facilities, and Consul Daniela Sirakova.

Dozens of performers from Bulgarian schools and cultural centres participated, including representatives from the schools Gergana, Hristo Botev, Roden Krai (New Jersey), and Bulgarian Voices (Rhode Island). 

Performances were also given by 101 Kaba Bagpipes and Drums from Young Bulgarian Voices, as well as ensembles Bosilek (led by Catherine Springer) and Algara (led by Galina Sakharova).

To conclude the event, around a hundred guests joined in a Bulgarian horo dance at the square in the heart of Manhattan.

"Thank you to everyone who joined us for the third year in a row. We're starting a tradition!" Angelov said.