site.btaObservances: October 19-20

October 19:

The Orthodox Church marks the feast day of St John of Rila the Miracle Worker.

Bulgaria:

• Bulgarian-Hungarian Friendship Day;
• National Doctors' Day.

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1886: The Third Grand National Assembly is opened in Veliko Tarnovo to elect a new Prince of Bulgaria after the abdication of Alexander I of Battenberg.

1991: Diplomatic relations are established with the United Arab Emirates at embassy level.

2000: Switzerland's Liebherr Group puts into operation its Liebherr - Hausgeraete Maritsa freezer and refrigerator production plant near the southern village of Ravadinovo, Plovdiv Municipality.

2002: The last combat part of the CC-23, Skut, and FROG rocket systems is destroyed at the Zmeyovo training ground near Stara Zagora.

2006: By a decision of the Gabrovo Municipal Council, the House of Humour and Satire in the city changes its status from national cultural institute into Museum House of Humour and Satire.

October 20: 

The world:

- World Osteoporosis Day.

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1885: The Bulgarian Red Cross is recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

1915: The country's first aviation school is unveiled in the Sofia suburb of Bozhurishte.

1935: The foundation stone of the Bulgarian National Bank is laid.

1951: Bulgarian National Volunteer Company 4093 becomes the first Bulgarian national military unit within NATO. Established by Bulgarian political emigrants disenchanted with the Communist regime in Bulgaria, the Company is part of the United States forces in West Germany. Disbanded on June 30, 1964.

1968: Diplomatic relations are established with Zambia.

2005: The 40th National Assembly adopts a National Standardization Act, setting up the Bulgarian Institute for Standardization.

2012: Danube Bridge 2 between Vidin and Calafat is completed.