The Municipality of Plovdiv invites the residents and guests of the city on September 22, 2022, Thursday, at 11:30 a.m. on the 22 September square (the garden of the Grape Market) to celebrate the 114th anniversary of the Independence of Bulgaria.

A speech will be given by Stoyan Ivanov - director of the Regional History Museum, the host will be Zlatko Pavlov. The Wind Orchestra - Plovdiv will take part, with conductor Nikolay Geshev and the members of the "Rodolyubie" committee, who will perform a reenactment.

The program of the holiday begins at 10:00 a.m. with a prayer service in the "Holy Sunday" church and at 10:30 a.m. with the laying of wreaths and flowers on the memorial plaque of Alexander Malinov at the foot of the Old Town, next to the Eastern Gate. Both events are traditionally organized by "Petko Karavelov" Association Plovdiv.

On September 22, Bulgaria celebrates one of the most significant events in its recent history. On this date in 1908, the Bulgarian state, one of the oldest in Europe, declared its independence. This happened 30 years after the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78, which ended with the San Stefano Peace Treaty signed on March 3, 1878. Thus, Bulgaria reappears on the map of Europe after five centuries of Ottoman rule.

On September 22, 1908, in the town of Veliko Tarnovo, with a manifesto, the Bulgarian prince Ferdinand announced the independence of Bulgaria. With this act, in practice, the last vassal ties with the Ottoman Empire were rejected. The Principality of Bulgaria became an independent state headed by the crowned king Ferdinand. The High Gate (Turkey) and then the Great Powers officially recognized Bulgarian independence. The day was declared an official holiday by the decision of the Bulgarian National Assembly on September 10, 1998.

The program for the Independence Day

September 22, 2022

10:00 a.m. - Prayer service in the "Holy Sunday" church, organized by the Petko Karavelov Center Association

10:30 a.m. - Laying of wreaths and flowers in front of the memorial plaque of Alexander Malinov on the square at the foot of the Old Town (next to the Church of St. Nedelya), organized by the Petko Karavelov Center Association

11:30 a.m. - Celebration of the 114th anniversary of the declaration of the Independence of Bulgaria. Participation: Wind Orchestra - Plovdiv, "Patriotism" committee, Speaker: Stoyan Ivanov - director of RIM Plovdiv, presenter Zlatko Pavlov
Place: Independence Column on 22 September Square