On November 10, 1989, a plenum of the Central Committee of the Bulgarian Communist Party ousted its General Secretary and Chairman of the State Council, Todor Zhivkov. This marked the symbolic beginning of the transition from a one-party system to democracy and a market economy. The democratically elected President Zhelyu Zhelev (1990–1997) described the removal of the communist dictator from power as a "coup."
The first major rally, organized by the Confederation of Labor "Podkrepa" and "Ecoglasnost," took place on November 18, 1989, in the square in front of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia. A month later, the opposition political formation Union of Democratic Forces was established. According to historians, the beginning of the transition should be considered January 19, 1990, when Article 1 of the Constitution, which granted the Bulgarian Communist Party a leading role, was abrogated.
In 2000, the National Assembly adopted a law declaring the communist regime criminal.
The Arbanasi architectural reserve near Veliko Tarnovo is one of the most popular tourist destinations . The medieval monasteries and churches, including the Church of the Nativity, are particularly attractive. The churches of Arbanasi are museum sites..
On the third day of Christmas, December 27, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church commemorates the memory of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. His name means "crown" or "wreath" and comes from the Greek "στέφανος" (stéphanos). It symbolizes victory..
At sunset on December 25, the Jewish community begins to celebrate Hanukkah. The holiday begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar and, depending on the year, can fall in November or December. By lighting 9..
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