site.btaReception Marking Bulgaria's National Day Held in Timisoara

After Ploiesti, Bucharest, and Cluj-Napoca, Bulgaria’s National Day (March 3) has also been celebrated in the Romanian city of Timisoara. Georgi Nakov, Bulgaria’s Honorary Consul in Timisoara and a representative of the Bulgarian minority in the Romanian Parliament, hosted a reception to mark March 3, as well as the anniversary of Bulgarians settling in Banat (1738), and the legal recognition of the Union of Banat Bulgarians in Romania (March 5, 1990).

The event was held at the Maria Theresia Bastion, the largest preserved piece of defensive wall of the Austrian-Hungarian fortress in Timisoara.

Nakov said that Bulgaria's National Day has been celebrated in Timisoara since 2012. "The representation of the Bulgarian minority, as well as other minorities, in Parliament makes Romania a global leader in guaranteeing and respecting the rights of national minorities," he noted.

Addressing the guests at the event, Bulgaria's Ambassador to Romania, Radko Vlaykov, reflected on the historical ties between Bulgarians and Romanians, recalling how Bulgarians found refuge in Banat after the Chiprovtsi uprising more than three centuries ago. "A century and a half later, more Bulgarians found refuge in south-eastern Romania. Throughout these centuries, they have not only received protection from the Romanian people but have also played an important role in building the Romanian state. Due to the strong ties between Bulgarians and Romanians, a significant part of Bulgaria's liberation, our independence, and the creation of the Third Bulgarian State can be credited to the courage and sacrifice of our Romanian brothers at Pleven, Grivitsa, and Vidin," the diplomat said. 

Vlaykov said that "the Bulgarian minority, along with other national minorities in Timis, Arad, and across Romania, live in a good, European manner" and expressed gratitude to the Romanian state for providing opportunities, including material support. He also thanked Timisoara Mayor Dominic Fritz, noting that his attendance at the reception was a strong show of support for the Bulgarian national minority.

Fritz highlighted the role of Karol Telbisz, the Banat Bulgarian who was the youngest and most important mayor in Timisoara's history. 

Among the special guests at the event was the Rector of the West University of Timisoara, Marilen Gabriel Pirtea, who was honoured with a plaque for opening a Bulgarian language lectureship.

The reception was also attended by Nikolay Nikolov from Bulgaria’s Education and Science Ministry, who read a congratulatory address from Minister Krasimir Valchev. "Bulgaria is present wherever Bulgarian is spoken, where we come together under the Bulgarian flag and celebrate important historical dates. The role of Bulgarian Sunday schools is crucial, as they remain the living heart of the Bulgarian language, culture, traditions, and the connection between generations in Romania," the address read. 

The event was also attended by the Deputy Governors of Arad and Timis and the Consul General of Germany, among others.