Celebrations on the occasion of March 3rd
Every year on March 3, Bulgaria celebrates the anniversary of its Liberation from Turkish rule. On the occasion of the National Day of Bulgaria, there are solemn celebrations all over the country. The climax is mount Shipka because that is where the most epic battle of the entire war was fought.
In Shipka (a small town at the foot of Stara Planina) the festive programme begins at 11:30 with the solemn rally on the square under St. Nicholas Peak (Shipka). At 12:30 wreaths and flowers are placed in front of the Freedom Monument. It is an interesting fact that the celebrations are organized on a rotational basis from Kazanlak and Gabrovo.
In Kazanlak the celebrations for Bulgaria's Liberation Day begin on the evening of March 2nd with an official ceremony of raising the national flag in front of the Municipality building.
Traditionally, the 3rd of March is celebrated in Koprivshtitsa with special festive events. They include a greeting from a brass band at SU "L.Karavelov", a speech by the mayor of Koprivshtitsa municipality, laying of wreaths and flowers, a recital and - perhaps the culmination - a reenactment with elements of the April Uprising and the welcoming of the Russian liberation troops, performed by Club "Tradition". All of these in combination with the revival look of the whole town make the experience unforgeable. Check out our private day trip to Koprivshtitsa from Sofia.
In Sofia the ceremonial inspection (dawn) on the occasion of the National Holiday starts at 6:30 p.m. at the "National Assembly" square.
Plovdiv, Pleven and many other Bulgarian cities and their museums are waiting for their visitors o the 3rd of March with free entrance. Check out our day tours from Sofia and book for your next visit to Bulgaria.