Bulgaria commemorates Shipka Pass epic and Ilinden-Preobrazhenie Uprising

Bulgaria is holding major national commemorations to honor two significant historical events: the 149th anniversary of the Shipka Pass epic and the 123rd anniversary of the Ilinden-Preobrazhenie Uprising.

At Shipka Pass, Vice President Iliana Yotova and Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov participated in ceremonies including a memorial service at Sokol Monastery and wreath-laying at the Monument of Freedom. The celebrations featured a large-scale historical reenactment by over 400 members of the National Society ‘Tradition’, recreating the dramatic battles of 1877. Thousands of citizens joined organized hikes to the summit to pay respects to those who fought for Bulgarian independence.

Simultaneously, commemorations for the Ilinden-Preobrazhenie Uprising took place at Petrova Niva near Malko Tarnovo. Vice President Yotova attended the National Thracian Assembly, delivering a speech on the importance of preserving historical memory and addressing the shared history of the region. The event included a memorial ceremony at the ‘Sveta Petka’ shrine and participation from various Thracian organizations and state officials.