Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

The songs of protest are still relevant 32 years after start of Bulgaria’s democratic transition

"How long shall we wait? Lord, give Bulgaria a new way, light and freedom!”

Photo: archive

This is an excerpt from "Prayer for Bulgaria" - one of the songs composed after November 10, 1989. It sounded in the squares during rallies and protests in the 90s along with many other song of that period and we still call them "the songs of protest." Gradually, they also became "songs of transition", because over the years there were a number of occasions to recall them. Some of the lyrics continue to be relevant today because they focus on topics such as poverty, social inequality, the desire for a better life and freedom in all its forms. "Prayer for Bulgaria" also sounds relevant, especially in moments like today’s situation - an impending economic crisis, uncertainty and election excitement. The music is by Stefan Dimitrov and the lyrics - by Miryana Basheva. The song is performed by Vasil Naydenov and Bogdana Karadocheva.


You can recall some of the most famous "songs of protest" in a article from the archives of Radio Bulgaria, prepared on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of November 10, 1989. - HERE.

The memories of some of the main participants on the stages and in city squares more than three decades ago are collected in the article Music from beginning of democratic transition – piece of freedom generations dreamt of.



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

Pleven Philharmonic presents "Tango Classic" in various cities of Bulgaria

"Tango Classic" is the name of the newest fascinating project of the Pleven Philharmonic Orchestra with virtuoso instrumentalists Vesko Eschkenazy (violin) and Stoyan Karaivanov (bandoneon). Together with the musicians of the Pleven..

published on 7/6/25 5:50 AM

" Long Way Home" now on vinyl

Just over a month after they started releasing their albums on vinyl with "Only for You", Mary Boys Band now welcomes "Long Way Home" also on vinyl. The group’s second studio album released as a long-play vinyl record has been available on the music..

published on 7/5/25 7:00 AM

Dimitar Valchev – ‘A Bulgarian Rose’

The impressive body of work that the great composer Dimitar Valchev created for the Bulgarian stage, film, television and popular music  has long been recognised as part of the country's classical cultural heritage. His unforgettable song hits were..

published on 7/4/25 9:15 AM