National Awakening Day

National Awakening Day (BGR) History

Bulgaria National Awakening Day, also known as the Day of Bulgarian Revival Leaders, is aimed at honoring and commemorating the efforts of the educators, thinkers, and spiritual leaders who took part in the Bulgarian National Revival in the 18th and 19th centuries. This period marked a cultural and political reawakening which contributed to the fight for unity and independence of the Bulgarian people. The main focus of this observance is to celebrate the hard work and critical role played by the revival leaders, whose efforts laid the groundwork for the modern Bulgarian state.

The Bulgarian National Revival was a direct response to the oppressive rule under the Ottoman Empire, during which the national identity, education, and culture of the Bulgarian people suffered. It is important to recognize the contribution of the Bulgarian National Revival in preserving the country's cultural heritage and developing its national consciousness. The intellectual circles in Europe, particularly the romantic nations, contributed significantly in inspiring the Bulgarian national awakening. These nations helped to foster a liberal and progressive environment, which eventually led to Bulgaria gaining its independence in 1878 and joining the European Union in 2007.

Although the observances might vary depending on the locality, the central theme of appreciating and commemorating the value and importance of the Bulgarian Revival Leaders remains the same. Bulgaria National Awakening Day is observed annually on November 1st.

Top facts about National Awakening Day

• The day is traditionally used to give awards to teachers, actors and artists from all walks of life as a way to remember those in the past that provided such monumental contributions to Bulgaria.
• While under Ottoman rule, the Empire's Turkish authorities suppressed Bulgarian's national pride and culture. Bulgaria had few terrible schools and no other educational institutions in place to protect, preserve and pass on its cultural heritage. This sparked the National Revival period.
• The most popular Bulgarian intellectual leaders are John of Rila, Constantine of Kostenets, Gregory Tsamblak, Vladislav the Grammarian, Petar Parchevich, Petar Bogdan, Paissius of Hilendar, Neofit Bozveli, Neofit Rilski, Miladinov Brothers, Georgi Sava Rakovski, Vasil Levski, Hristo Botev, Stefan Karadzha, Hadzhi Dimitar, Lyuben Karavelov, Dobri Chintulov, Ivan Vazov, Grigor Parlichev and many others.
• The holiday was celebrated for the first time in Plovdiv in 1990. Finally, on 1 November 1923, the King of Bulgaria officially proclaimed it.
• Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world - Nelson Mandela

In the News and Trending in the EU for National Awakening Day

National Awakening Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Generate awareness on social media using hashtags such as #NationalEnlightenersDay, #BulgariaAwakeningDay and #NationalRevivalDay.
• Give a gift to your teacher. Teachers play a main role in the dissemination of culture, heritage and national values.
• Attend the massive parade in Sofia where you can catch a glimpse of huge portraits of the popular intellectual leaders behind this celebratory day.