At 12 o’clock sharp, sirens sounded for the space of two minutes, and people remained motionless where they stood, to honour the memory of revolutionary poet Hristo Botev and all people who have given their lives for the freedom and independence of Bulgaria.

Earlier in the day, thousands went to Okolchitsa peak, where Hristo Botev was killed 147 years ago, to pay their respects at the monument to him. Caretaker PM Galab Donev received the guard of honour in the foothills of Okolchitsa, and gave a speech. “We live in clamorous times,” he said,” in which it is difficult to tell the truth from a lie.” Galab Donev called for the truth to never be withheld, and on this day, the legacy of Hristo Botev, and of all people who have laid down their lives for a free and independent Bulgaria to be heeded.

At the National Assembly, the MPs made declarations honouring Hristo Botev, on behalf of their parliamentary groups.