Thousands of Bulgarians in Chicago joined the Bulgaria Parade marking, in advance, 24 May, the day of Cyril and Methodius, the Bulgarian alphabet, Bulgarian enlightenment and culture, Bulgaria’s consul general in Chicago Svetoslav Stankov told BGNES. The initiative took place with the help of Elk Grove Village municipality in Illinois. Thirteen Bulgarian Sunday schools in Chicago, as well as folklore ensembles, cultural centres and organizations, guests from Bulgaria and representatives of the local authorities took part in the parade.

“Mayor Craig Johnson declared 24 May day of Bulgaria,” Svetoslav Stankov said. “Bulgarians in Chicago showed their compatriots around the world that they can stand united for this sacred cause, that they can preserve their alphabet, their language, culture and traditions, as an expression of their Bulgarian identity.”