# Bulgaria National Awakeners' Day commemorations > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bulgaria-national-awakeners-day-commemorations > Updated: 2026-11-01T12:30:32.000Z. Sources: 37. Developments: 8. Bulgarian cities are organizing various educational, cultural, and commemorative programs to observe National Awakeners' Day on November 1. These initiatives aim to honor the nation’s enlighteners, educators, and historical figures who preserved Bulgaria’s spiritual and cultural heritage. The tradition of celebrating these figures, such as Paisiy Hilendarski, Vasil Levski, Hristo Botev, and Ivan Vazov, has deep historical roots. While unofficial celebrations began in Plovdiv in 1909, the holiday was officially established by decree of Tsar Boris III in 1923. After being abolished by the communist regime in 1945, it was reinstated in 1992. In Varna, a solemn ceremony was held at the monument of Father Paisiy Hilendarski in the Alley of the Revival within the Sea Garden. The event included the laying of wreaths and flowers, military rituals, and a prayer service led by Metropolitan Ioan of Varna and Veliko Tarnovo. Attendees included regional governor Mario Smurkov, Mayor Blagomir Kotsev, and various local officials. In Stara Zagora, a ceremonial event took place at Ayazmoto Park at the monument of Metropolitan Metodiy Kusev. The program included a prayer led by Bishop Bogoslov of Marcianopolis and poetic performances by students. Deputy Mayor Milena Zheleva noted that the mission of the national awakeners continues through modern educators and artists, while highlighting that 2027 will mark the 150th anniversary of the battles for the city. Other regional activities include historical quests in Panagyurishte, wreath-laying in Svishtov, and exhibitions in Pleven, Ruse, and Kotel. ## Claims - Bulgaria celebrates National Awakeners' Day on November 1. (reported by 3 sources) - Plovdiv held the first large-scale city-wide celebration for the holiday in 1909. (reported by 3 sources) - Minister of Education Stoyan Omarchevski legalized November 1 as a national holiday in 1922. (reported by 3 sources) - The holiday legalization was proposed by a group of intellectuals, including Ivan Vazov. (reported by 3 sources) - Hristo G. Danov founded the first Bulgarian printing house. (reported by 3 sources) - The holiday was first celebrated in Plovdiv in 1909. (reported by 2 sources) - Stoyan Omarchevski, Minister of Public Education in 1922, proposed the official designation of the holiday. (reported by 2 sources) - The holiday was a national celebration from 1922 to 1945. (reported by 1 source) - Miroslava Kindergarten in Plovdiv held activities for the holiday involving the Ivan Vazov National Library. (reported by 1 source) - Nayden Gerov founded the St. Cyril and Methodius Diocesan Class School in 1850. (reported by 1 source) ## Timeline ### 2026-11-01: Stara Zagora commemorates National Awakening Day Stara Zagora held a ceremony at Ayazmoto Park to honor National Awakening Day, paying tribute to the historical figures who preserved Bulgarian culture and the city's post-1877 reconstruction. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/stara-zagora-commemorates-national-awakening-day ### 2026-11-01: Varna commemorates National Awakening Day Varna held a ceremonial commemoration for the Day of the National Awakeners at the Father Paisiy monument, featuring military rituals and a prayer service. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/varna-commemorates-national-awakening-day ### 2026-10-31: Bulgaria observes National Revival Figures Day Bulgaria celebrates National Revival Figures Day on November 1, honoring the historical figures who preserved the nation's spiritual, cultural, and revolutionary identity. 26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-celebrates-national-awakening-day-on-november-1 ### 2026-10-31: Pleven hosts cultural events for National Awakeners' Day Bulgarian cities Pleven and Knezha celebrated the Day of the National Awakeners with art exhibitions, poetry readings, and awards for cultural contributors. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pleven-hosts-cultural-events-for-national-awakeners-day ### 2026-10-29: Bulgaria observes National Awakening Day with various commemorations Bulgaria celebrated National Awakening Day on November 1 with torchlight processions, cultural ceremonies, and educational initiatives across various cities and villages to honor the nation's historical enlight 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-commemorates-national-awakening-day-with-educational-events ### 2026-10-27: Bulgaria celebrates National Awakeners' Day with nationwide events Bulgarian cities, including Sofia, Plovdiv, and Svishtov, are holding concerts, ceremonies, and exhibitions to commemorate National Awakeners' Day. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-marks-national-awakeners-day-with-regional-celebrations ### 2026-10-21: Bulgaria marks National Awakeners' Day with cultural events Bulgarian cities Montana and Stara Zagora are hosting concerts, museum exhibits, and educational programs to commemorate National Awakeners' Day and honor the nation's historical enlighteners. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-marks-national-awakeners-day-with-cultural-events ### 2026-10-13: Bulgarian cities launch educational programs for National Awakeners' Day Bulgarian cities Varna and Stara Zagora are launching educational programs and interactive activities for students to commemorate National Awakeners' Day and Bulgarian cultural history. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarian-cities-launch-educational-programs-for-national-awakeners-day --- Cite as: Bulgaria National Awakeners' Day commemorations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bulgaria-national-awakeners-day-commemorations