Bulgaria observes a total of 13 public holidays, each holding significant cultural and historical value. Among them are Christian holidays like Easter and Christmas, as well as those deeply rooted in Bulgarian history. Noteworthy among the latter category are the prominent national holidays in September - the Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia, and the Independence of Bulgaria.
On September 6th, Bulgarians commemorate the amalgamation of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia in 1885. This unification was the outcome of popular uprisings in various southern Bulgarian towns, orchestrated by the Bulgarian Secret Central Revolutionary Committee. The occasion is marked by special events and festivities, particularly in the Plovdiv region.
On September 22nd, Bulgaria rejoices in one of its most pivotal historical events - gaining independence from the Ottoman Empire. On this date in 1908, in Veliko Tarnovo, Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria proclaimed the nation's autonomy through a manifesto. This momentous event transpired three decades after the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78, culminating in the San Stefano Peace Treaty signed on March 3, 1878 (also observed as Bulgaria's Liberation Day).
These national holidays serve as integral components of Bulgaria's rich cultural heritage and historical narrative. They encapsulate the distinctive essence and ethos of the nation, playing a crucial role in forging its national identity and instilling a sense of pride. Each holiday is associated with its unique set of traditions and customs. As Bulgaria advances in modernity and progress, the preservation and celebration of these traditions and customs stand as vital elements for all Bulgarians. They serve as a conduit to the country's cultural legacy and history, fostering a profound sense of national pride and identity that is unequivocally Bulgarian.