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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Bulgaria Series at BulgarianPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Bulgarian holidays and observances. I’m Eric, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 3- Liberation Day. |
| Every country in the world has its own national holiday. In Bulgaria this is "Liberation Day," or in Bulgarian, Den na Osvobozhdenieto na Balgariya ot tursko robstvo which in full means “The Day of Liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman Rule.” It's celebrated on March 3. Sometimes, instead of Ottoman Rule, the terms “Ottoman Control,” osmanska vlast or “Ottoman Yoke,” osmansko igo are used. |
| In this lesson, you'll learn more details about the meaning of March 3 for the Bulgarian people and what events took place on that day. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, I've got a question for you- |
| Do you know which monument is located across from the Parliament building in Sofia and is related to the celebrations of March 3? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later, so keep listening! |
| March 3 was declared a national holiday for the Republic of Bulgaria because it was on this date in 1878 that the so-called Treaty of San Stefano was “signed,” or podpisan. It put an end to the Russian-Turkish war of that period, and made Bulgaria a free country after five centuries of Ottoman domination. March 3 was declared a “national holiday,” or natsionalen praznik, in 1990. |
| Because of the historical events that led to Bulgaria’s liberation, the celebration of March 3 is specific to each city in Bulgaria. As Svishtov was the first liberated Bulgarian city, each year young men swim across the River Danube to the “coast,” or brega of Romania, to mark the Liberation of Bulgaria. In the capital’s St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a liturgy is held. After that begins a ceremony of raising the “national flag,” or in Bulgarian, natsionalniya flag and laying wreaths before the Monument of the Unknown Soldier. |
| A little later, a celebratory changing of the guard is performed in front of the President’s Building. Festive concerts in different places are held each year. At nightfall, fireworks are set off in the National Assembly square. They are attended by the president, the mayor of Sofia, the chairperson of the National Assembly, ministers, and members of parliament. Servicemen participate in the celebration of Bulgaria’s national holiday in key locations related to the historical or istoricheski events leading to the Liberation of Bulgaria, such as Shipka Peak and the cities of Pleven, Kazanlak, Smolian, Ruse, Blagoevgrad, and Gorna Oryahovitsa. |
| Every Bulgarian displays the national flag in a prominent place in their home on this day. People greet each other with the words “Happy holiday, Bulgarians!” or Chestit praznik, balgari! Even Bulgarian people living abroad mark the holiday with festivities. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| Do you know which monument is located across from the Parliament building in Sofia and is related to the celebrations of March the 3rd? |
| It's the Monument to the Tsar Liberator or in Bulgarian Tsar Osvoboditel. It was erected in the honor of the Liberation of Bulgaria as an expression of “gratitude” or priznatelnost to the Russian people, represented by Emperor Alexander II. |
| How was this lesson? Did you learn anything interesting? |
| When do you celebrate your national holiday? |
| Leave a comment letting us know at BulgarianPod101.com, and we'll see you in the next lesson! |
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