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Mark your calendars for March 3, because it's time to celebrate Bulgaria Liberation Day! This national holiday commemorates the country's independence from Ottoman rule on March 3, 1878. It is a day filled with patriotic pride and celebrations throughout Bulgaria. From parades and concerts to traditional dances and delicious cuisine, there are many ways to join in on the festive spirit of this special day. So let's take a closer look at the history behind this important holiday and all the reasons why we should be excited to celebrate it.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1396</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Ottoman Rule Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>Bulgaria falls under the rule of the Ottoman Empire for nearly five centuries.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1876</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>April Uprising</div><div class='timeline-text'>An attempt by Bulgarian revolutionaries to overthrow the Ottoman rule, known as the April Uprising, is drastically suppressed.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1877-1878</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Russo-Turkish War</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Russo-Turkish War takes place, as Russia intervenes on behalf of Bulgaria against Turkish rule.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1878</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Signing of the Treaty of San Stefano</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Treaty of San Stefano, signed on March 3, ends the Russo-Turkish War and sets the foundation for Bulgarian liberation.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1880</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Liberation Day Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>Bulgarians celebrate their first Liberation Day on March 3, only two years after their independence.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Declared National Holiday</div><div class='timeline-text'>March 3 is officially declared as a national holiday in Bulgaria, celebrating the country's liberation from the Ottoman rule.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities in Bulgaria hold parades to celebrate Liberation Day. Attend one and enjoy the colorful floats, traditional music, and patriotic atmosphere.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit historical sites</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to some of Bulgaria's important historical sites, such as Shipka Pass or the Buzludzha Monument, to learn more about the country's struggle for liberation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a concert</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities also hold concerts featuring Bulgarian music and performers on Liberation Day. Check your local listings for events near you.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn traditional dances</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Join a dance workshop or attend a performance of traditional Bulgarian dances. You'll have fun and learn more about the country's culture and heritage.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try Bulgarian cuisine</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate Liberation Day by trying some traditional Bulgarian dishes, such as banitsa, kebapche, and shopska salad. You can also attend a Bulgarian food festival or cooking class to learn how to make these dishes yourself.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It commemorates a crucial moment in Bulgarian history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Bulgaria Liberation Day marks the date when Bulgarian troops defeated Ottoman forces at the Battle of Shipka Pass in 1878, bringing an end to 500 years of Ottoman rule. This event played a significant role in the country's fight for independence and is an important part of Bulgarian national identity.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates Bulgarian culture and traditions</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On Liberation Day, Bulgarians come together to celebrate their unique customs and traditions through music, dance, and food. It's a day for honoring their heritage and passing down these traditions to future generations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes unity and patriotism</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Liberation Day is a time for Bulgarians to put aside their differences and come together as a nation. It's a reminder that despite any political or social divisions, they are all united by their shared history and heritage. This celebration promotes a sense of national pride and solidarity among the Bulgarian people.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bulgaria's Flag Is Raised Across the Country on Liberation Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>On March 3, Bulgarians hoist their national flag everywhere - public buildings, streets, and homes as a symbol of pride and commemoration of the historic event.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Liberation Day Was First Celebrated in Plovdiv</h3><p class='facts-content'>Plovdiv, the second-largest city in Bulgaria, was the first to hold a public celebration for Liberation Day in 1880, two years after the actual liberation.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Fireworks Light Up Bulgarian Skies on Liberation Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>Iconic locations across Bulgarian cities and towns organise spectacular firework shows on the eve of the holiday, painting a beautiful picture of celebration in the night sky.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bulgarian Leaders Pay Homage to Freedom Fighters</h3><p class='facts-content'>On Liberation Day, it is customary for Bulgarian officials to lay wreaths and flowers at war memorials and monuments dedicated to those who fought for the country's freedom.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Liberation Day was declared a public holiday in 1978</h3><p class='facts-content'>Although celebrated since 1880, it was not until exactly a century after the liberation when March 3 was officially declared a public holiday, ensuring all Bulgarian citizens the chance to commemorate their history.</p></div></div>
Bulgaria Liberation Day is celebrated on March 3 every year. In 2024, Bulgaria Liberation Day will occur on a Sunday.
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