Public holiday in Bulgaria
Independence Day in Bulgaria
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
Independence Day is a nationwide public holiday in Bulgaria on 22 September. It marks the 1908 declaration that ended Bulgaria’s formal vassal status under the Ottoman Empire.
About Independence Day in Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, Independence Day commemorates the proclamation of independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1908 and the start of Bulgaria’s full sovereignty as a modern state. It is observed nationwide and is one of the country’s key national holidays. The date is separate from Bulgaria’s Liberation Day on 3 March, which marks an earlier stage in the restoration of Bulgarian statehood.
History
On 22 September 1908, Prince Ferdinand declared Bulgaria’s independence in Veliko Tarnovo. The declaration transformed the Principality of Bulgaria into the independent Kingdom of Bulgaria and ended the remaining formal vassal relationship with the Ottoman Empire. The holiday later became established as a national commemoration of that political act.
Traditions
The day is marked by the raising of the Bulgarian tricolour, public speeches and wreath-laying ceremonies at monuments associated with national history. In Veliko Tarnovo, the historical centre of the 1908 proclamation, official commemorations are especially prominent.
How Independence Day is celebrated in Bulgaria
Across Bulgaria, the holiday is typically observed with municipal events, concerts and patriotic programs. State institutions and local authorities commonly take part in ceremonies, and many towns hold flag-raising or memorial events.
Interesting facts
The 1908 declaration was made in the former capital of Veliko Tarnovo, linking the holiday to one of Bulgaria’s most symbolically important cities. The holiday falls in September, unlike Liberation Day, which is observed in March.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 22 Sep 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.