Bulgaria Sunday celebrated the 116th anniversary of the proclamation of its independence, reports the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA). The celebrations culminated in a military tattoo and a fireworks display in the north central town of Veliko Tarnovo where Prince Ferdinand I proclaimed the Principality of Bulgaria an independent kingdom on September 22, 1908.
National Assembly Chair Raya Nazaryan Sunday addressed those gathered in Veliko Tarnovo, saying that now independence is the freedom to state and defend one's interests in a complex and conflicted world. She also said: "Having rejected the oppression of totalitarianism, today we share the path and the dreams of generations of Bulgarians for a dignified, sovereign Bulgaria in the European Union, a union of half a billion free and prosperous people, which, despite turbulent times, difficulties and challenges, defends fervently the European achievements of humanism and the well-being of its citizens."
Veliko Tarnovo Mayor Daniel Panov said independence is a source of national pride, honour and dignity. "This was the case back in 1908 and one year later, when the proud people of Tarnovo celebrated the first year of independence in a grand manner. Eyewitnesses said the town looked like a fairy-tale castle. People rejoiced and embraced each other in the streets." September 22 can be said to be an all-Bulgarian holiday, Panov added.
Earlier in the day, actors from the Veliko Tarnovo Theatre recreated the events of the memorable September 22, 1908, and read the Manifesto which proclaimed the country's independence. Hundreds of flags the colours of the Bulgarian national flag were released into the sky by children from local schools.
The President, the government and politicians congratulated the nation on Independence Day. The historic event was celebrated across the country. In Sofia, a ceremony was held at the Monument to the Independence of Bulgaria. The programme featured the Sofia Brass Orchestra, the Saint Sofia choir led by Valentin Bobevski and the Gusla men's choir. Sofia Municipal Council Chair Tsvetomir Petrov told the media: "Along with the Unification [of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia in 1885], this holiday is one of the most important."
