site.btaIn 1928, Bulgaria Marks 20 Years of Independence and 10 Years of King Boris III's Reign

In the autumn of 1928, Bulgaria celebrated two major anniversaries: the 20th anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence and the 10th anniversary of King Boris III's accession to the throne. The milestone anniversaries were celebrated across the country. They also prompted analysis and commentary in many Western media about the young Bulgarian monarch, the son of King Ferdinand, who had declared Bulgaria's independence 20 years before. Articles looked at King Boris's personality and reviewed Bulgaria's history and development at the time.

Until 1943, Independence Day was celebrated as an official holiday. Ceremonies were held under the patronage of King Boris III. After the end of World War II and the political changes in Bulgaria, the holiday was no longer observed, as it was labelled a "monarchist" celebration by the Bulgarian Communist Party.

By a resolution of the 38th National Assembly on September 10, 1998, the day of Bulgaria's declaration of independence was reinstated as an official holiday.

BTA's Foreign Press Review bulletin featured articles on the occasion of the two anniversaries:

Warsaw, October 3, 1928, Polish Press Agency (PAP) - On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of King Boris's accession to the throne and the 20th anniversary of Bulgaria's independence, a prayer service was held in the Orthodox Church in the presence of the Bulgarian Minister Plenipotentiary, the legation staff, representatives of the authorities, members of the Polish-Bulgarian Society, and the Bulgarian community. In the afternoon, a reception was held at the legation.

Sofia, October 7, 1928, the Marburger Zeitung - The correspondent reviews the recent celebrations in Sofia marking the 10th anniversary of King Boris III's accession to the throne and the 20th anniversary of Bulgaria's independence. He is captivated by the personality of the King and reports that Boris III is the only fully constitutional monarch in all of Europe. He grew up amid the Bulgarian drama, displaying modesty and natural demeanour. In his relations with others, he touched the hearts of the Bulgarian people. It is precisely this resemblance between Boris III and the ordinary Bulgarian that is the source of the people's deep affection for their young King.