On 3rd March 1878 Bulgaria celebrates its national liberation after almost 500 years of Ottoman Rule.

It is a public holiday and many people will visit the monuments celebrating this important date.

On 3rd March in 1878, the Russians and Turks signed the Peace Treaty of San Stefano (a small town near Istanbul). This ended the Russo-Turkish war of 1877-1878. It also marked the re-establishment of Bulgaria as a sovereign state.

We celebrated 3rd of March for the first time in 1880, on the occasion of the Enthronement of Russian Emperor Alexander the Second. In 1888, it became Bulgaria’s Day of Liberation. Additionally, it became a national holiday by Parliamentary Decree, 3rd of March 1888. From this date it has been a national holiday.

Traditionally we celebrate with solemn ceremonies and cultural shows and parades throughout the country. It is mostly celebrated in cities and towns, where key battles took place in the Russo-Turkish War. During the ceremonies, important people read out a list of names in remembrance of those who gave their lives in the fight for independence, followed by firework displays. The closest big celebration to the campsite is at Shipka Monument. Here many important officials often pay their respects to those who gave their life to liberate Bulgaria.

The government holds the ceremonial hoisting of the Bulgarian flag in monuments across the country and in particular, at the Unknown Soldier Monument in Sofia. Officials lay wreaths and flowers at monuments across the country that symbolise the liberation and celebrate March 3rd.

May Bulgaria continue to be proud and free.

Cheers to all our friends and customers today – we wish you a happy holiday !

We look forward to Women’s Day celebrations coming soon …! Another interesting celebration in March is Grandmother March day.