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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 7- Independence Day. |
| The liberation of Bulgaria and the unification of Bulgaria are complemented by a third event, which “ultimately,” or in Bulgarian v krayna smetka, created Bulgaria’s real autonomy. This is the proclamation of the independence of Bulgaria, which took place on September 22, 1908. On this date, which is observed according to the old style, the Bulgarians celebrate their Independence Day. |
| In this lesson we’ll tell you about what happened on September 22, 1908 and how Bulgaria’s Independence Day is celebrated. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, I've got a question for you- |
| Do you know what “old style” or star stil means and the difference between that and the “new style,” or nov stil? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later, so keep listening! |
| On September 22, 1908, the Bulgarian Prince Ferdinand I signed the “Manifest to the Bulgarian People,” where he proclaimed that Bulgaria would become a “free and independent,” or nezavisima, country. Thus he became Tsar of Bulgaria, while Bulgaria shifted from a tributary principality into an independent kingdom. However, the independent kingdom of Bulgaria was accepted by the Great Powers only in 1909. |
| The Independence of Bulgaria was proclaimed with the Manifesto in the St. 40 Martyrs Church in the medieval capital of Veliko Tarnovo. For this reason, the celebration of the Independence of Bulgaria has solemnly taken place in Veliko Tarnovo to this day, as well as in other bigger cities. |
| On September 22, several official assemblies take place to honor the holiday. For example, there are the “solemn blessings of water,” or tarzhestven vodosvet, and sprinkling of the army flags in the St. 40 Martyrs Church in the old capital. A multitude of people always assemble in front of the church and Tsar Ferdinand’s manifesto is read solemnly. The Bulgarian national flag is “raised,” or se izdiga, on the Tsarevets stronghold. A festive concert and fireworks are among the typical events of this day. |
| Veliko Tarnovo used to be the “capital,” or stolitsa, of Bulgaria between 1185 and 1393. The city is “situated,” or e razpolozhen, on “four hills,” or in Bulgarian, chetiri halma. It’s also popular for the “Sound and Light” audio visual show, which relates important moments in Bulgarian history. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| Do you know what ‘old style’ means and what the difference is between that and the ‘new style’? |
| The reason for having two styles of date is the transition from the Julian to Gregorian calendar. “Old style” means according to the Julian calendar. To calculate the relevant date in the Gregorian calendar, a certain number of days are added. |
| How was this lesson? Did you learn something interesting? |
| Do you celebrate an Independence Day in your country? When is it? |
| Leave a comment letting us know at BulgarianPod101.com, |
| and we'll see you in the next lesson! |
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