Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Bulgaria marks 148 years since the death of national hero Vasil Levski

Photo: BTA

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 18th or the 19th 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. 



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Court: Traffic in the centre of Sofia unlawfully reorganised

The Supreme Administrative Court has ruled that Sofia City Hall must terminate the new traffic organisation in the centre of Sofia . The large-scale reorganisation around the National Palace of Culture was implemented unexpectedly and without prior..

published on 6/20/24 3:19 PM

GERB's Raya Nazaryan elected speaker of the 50th National Assembly at the third attempt

GERB candidate Raya Nazaryan has been elected Speaker of the 50th National Assembly, ahead of Viktoria Vassileva of Velichie, Petar Petrov of Vazrazhdane and Silvi Kirilov of There is Such a People (ITN).  Raya Nazaryan elected President of the..

published on 6/20/24 1:50 PM
Raya Nazaryan

Raya Nazaryan elected President of the 50th National Assembly of Bulgaria

Raya Nazaryan was elected President of the 50 th National Assembly of Bulgaria. 131 MPs voted “for” her nomination, 66 “against, and 39 abstained. MPs fails to elect a National Assembly speaker Bulgarian Parliament with a second..

published on 6/20/24 11:59 AM