site.btaToday's Observances: January 14

Bulgaria:

- Roma Christians in Bulgaria celebrate Bango Vassil (New Year).

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1835: Bulgaria's first secular school using monitorial (also called Lancasterian) system opens in Gabrovo (Central Bulgaria) on Vassil Aprilov's initiative.

1873: Prominent revolutionary Vassil Levski sentenced to death.

1878: Pazardjik (South Central Bulgaria) is liberated from Ottoman rule during 1877-1878 Russo-Turkish War.

1901: First tram service launched in Sofia, marking start of electric transport in Bulgaria.    

1964: Diplomatic relations with Sweden are upgraded to embassy status (established on June 6, 1914 at legation level).

1994: Diplomatic relations are established with Guatemala.

2005: The National Assembly ratifies the Memorandum of Understanding between the European Community and the Republic of Bulgaria on Bulgaria's Participation in the Safer Internet Programme.

2008: The National Assembly authorizes the commitment of a Bulgarian military contingent of up to 155 service members to continue the country's participation in the humanitarian mission for perimeter security of the Multi-National Force - Iraq Temporary Interview and Protection Facility (TIPF) northeast of Baghdad.