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

Bulgaria marks 148 years since the death of national hero Vasil Levski

Photo: BTA

With military rituals military units from all garrisons in the country are marking 148 years since the death of Vasikl Levski, the Apostle of Freedom.

By a tradition, ceremonies and military rituals are organized in different towns on 18 and 19 February, this year they are taking place in strict observance of the anti-epidemic measures. Defence Minister Krasimir Karakachanov laid flowers at the monument to Vasil Levski in the National Military University in Veliko Turnovo. A series of events celebrate Vasil Levski’s heroism in his home town – Karlovo. A solemn fireworks ceremony took place today in the town's Vasil Levski square. Commemorative processions are taking place throughout the country.

The date on which Vasil Levski was hanged – whether it is the 18th or the 19th of February – is still a matter of debate by the public and in academic circles. According to the chairman of the Vasil Levski committee Vasil Vasilev, the discrepancy is due to an error in calculation during the changeover from the Gregorian to the Julian calendar. “Historians say the real date is 18 February though the publicly accepted date is 19 February,” Vasil Vasilev says in an interview for Radio Bulgaria. That is the reason why in many places around the country commemorative events are held on both dates. 



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

Businesses along the Black Sea coast are actively looking for workers for the summer season

Intense preparations are underway on the Southern Black Sea coast for the upcoming summer  season. The first tourists are expected for Easter, and businesses are actively seeking thousands of workers, reports public service broadcaster BNT. The..

published on 3/22/25 2:53 PM
Kostadin Kostadinov

Vazrazhdane accuses the government of inaction over the death of Bulgarian Marin Marinov in Gaza

The "Vazrazhdane" party is considering submitting a motion of no confidence in the government. This was announced in Veliko Tarnovo by the leader of the party, Kostadin Kostadinov, reported BNR’s correspondent Zdravka Maslyankova. According to..

published on 3/22/25 1:33 PM

Protests against animal abuse continue in Bulgaria

Citizens took to the streets today to protest against animal abuse. Protests are taking place in Varna, Kardzhali and other Bulgarian cities. Similar protests have already been held in recent days in Sofia, Pernik, Shumen, Gotse Delchev and..

published on 3/22/25 11:57 AM