Independence Day in Bulgaria in 2025

Independence Day in Bulgaria in 2025
  How long until Independence Day?
Independence Day
  Dates of Independence Day in Bulgaria
2026 Bulgaria Tue, Sep 22 National Holiday
2025 Bulgaria Mon, Sep 22 National Holiday
2024 Sep 22, Sep 23
BulgariaMon, Sep 23National Holiday (in lieu)
BulgariaSun, Sep 22National Holiday
2023 Bulgaria Fri, Sep 22 National Holiday
2022 Bulgaria Thu, Sep 22 National Holiday
  Summary

Bulgarian Independence Day marks Bulgaria's independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1908

  Local name
Ден на независимостта на България

When is Bulgarian Independence Day?

On September 22nd each year, Bulgaria celebrates one of the most significant events in recent history. This holiday is known locally as 'Ден на независимостта' and it marks Bulgaria's independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1908.

History of Bulgarian Independence Day

Bulgaria had been part of the Ottoman Empire since 1396. In the late nineteenth century, a growing tide of nationalism had been spreading across Europe, which had been threatening the break up of the western parts of the Ottoman Empire.

In April 1876, uprisings in other parts of the Ottoman Empire spread to Bulgaria. The suppression of the revolts by the Ottomans was horrific and when the atrocities were made public to the West and Russia, international condemnation was widespread. In 1877, Russia formally declared war on the Ottoman Empire. The conflict eventually resulted in the creation of a Bulgarian principality within the Ottoman Empire, albeit with reduced land.

Following a war with Serbia, the principality extended its area in the region and on September 22nd 1908, in the Veliko Tarnovo, a manifesto, Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria declared Bulgaria’s independence from the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria reappeared on the map of Europe after five centuries of Ottoman rule.

In 1908, Bulgaria was still using the Julian calendar, so the declaration of independence was made on October 5th using that calendar.

The day was declared a public holiday by a decision of the Bulgarian National Assembly on September 10th 1998.


Translate this page