130 Years of Freedom ...Kind Of

On March 3rd, Bulgarians in Sofia and throughout the country celebrated the 130th anniversary of Bulgaria's liberation from the Ottoman Empire. The day, first celebrated in 1880, was the day of the emperor Alexander II's coronation, and thus the beginning of a free Bulgaria - until the Second World War, anyway.

Since the holiday is especially patriotic for Bulgarians, it was not allowed to be celebrated when the country was under communist rule, though officials allowed its celebration once in 1978. In 1988, it became an official holiday. Today, residents of Sofia honour the day with a ceremonial raising of the national flag in front of the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, which is attended by President Georgy Parvanov. In the evening, the president delivers a speech, and many local celebrations are held.