With military rituals military units from all garrisons in the country are marking 148 years since the death of Vasikl Levski, the Apostle of Freedom.

By a tradition, ceremonies and military rituals are organized in different towns on 18 and 19 February, this year they are taking place in strict observance of the anti-epidemic measures. Defence Minister Krasimir Karakachanov laid flowers at the monument to Vasil Levski in the National Military University in Veliko Turnovo. A series of events celebrate Vasil Levski’s heroism in his home town – Karlovo. A solemn fireworks ceremony took place today in the town's Vasil Levski square. Commemorative processions are taking place throughout the country.

The date on which Vasil Levski was hanged – whether it is the 18^th or the 19^th of February – is still a matter of debate by the public and in academic circles. According to the chairman of the Vasil Levski committee Vasil Vasilev, the discrepancy is due to an error in calculation during the changeover from the Gregorian to the Julian calendar. “Historians say the real date is 18 February though the publicly accepted date is 19 February,” Vasil Vasilev says in an interview for Radio Bulgaria. That is the reason why in many places around the country commemorative events are held on both dates.