site.btaBulgaria Marks 147th Anniversary of Liberation from Ottoman Rule

A series of events will mark Bulgaria's National Day, March 3, the Day of Liberation from Ottoman rule.

In the morning, a flag-raising ceremony will take place in front of the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in central Sofia, commemorating those who fell for Bulgaria's freedom. Representative units of the National Guard and the Guards Representative Brass Band will participate. The ceremony will be marked by the strains of the national anthem and a 20 gun salute.

Vice President Iliana Iotova will attend the event, the President's Administration said. Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov and the Chief of Defence, Admiral Emil Eftimov, will take part, the Defence Ministry said.

A ceremonial changing of the Guard of Honour will take place in front of the Administration of the President at noon.

In the evening, a solemn military tattoo will be held in National Assembly Square. President Rumen Radev will review the Armed Forces' representative units and will deliver a speech. Vice President Iliana Iotova will participate in the ceremony.

Afterwards, President Rumen Radev will host the traditional formal reception for Bulgaria's National Day at the Central Military Club in Sofia. Vice President Iliana Iotova will also be in attendance.

The President will be accompanied by his wife, Desislava Radeva.