Wherever they are in the world, Bulgarians inevitably return to one name - Vasil Levski. For those far from their homeland, the day is not just a date on the calendar, but a bridge to home. In cities on several continents, our compatriots gathered in front of monuments, memorial plaques and in cultural centers to bow their heads to the Apostle of Freedom and to recall his words about a pure and holy republic.
In London, dozens of Bulgarians, some with Bulgarian flags, others with their children in hand, gathered in front of the memorial plaque of Vasil Levski. A priest from the Bulgarian church served a short funeral prayer, and then the silence was broken only by the voices of children who recited poems dedicated to the Apostle. "We want our children to know who Levski is and why his name is pronounced with respect," shared parents for whom this day is also a lesson in belonging.
In Berlin, the Bulgarian community turned the celebration into a real live history lesson. An evening dedicated to the life and work of Levski was held in a cultural center – with a short lecture, a screening of a documentary and a discussion of his ideas. Portraits and quotes hung on the wall, and a small Bulgarian flag stood next to each chair. "Here, far from Bulgaria, his words about freedom and honor sound even stronger," said a participant in the discussion.
In Chicago, where one of the largest Bulgarian communities lives overseas, the day was marked with a tribute and a cultural program at a Bulgarian school. The students prepared a recital, performed patriotic songs and presented short skits in which moments from Levski's life came to life. The teachers explained that it is important for them that the children hear the name "Apostle" not only in history classes, but also as part of the living community in which they grow up.
In Vienna, Bulgarians gathered in front of a memorial plaque and laid wreaths and flowers. After the official part, many of them stayed to talk, share memories of their school celebrations on February 18 in Bulgaria and tell the younger ones how they learned about Levski. "When you are far away, you understand how much this name weighs," shared a Bulgarian woman who has lived in the Austrian capital for years.
In Spain and Italy, the Bulgarian Sunday schools also dedicated the day to the Apostle. In the classrooms, temporarily converted into small stages, the children drew portraits of Levski, watched short films about his life and told, in childish words, what freedom means to them. For many of these children, the Bulgarian language is their second language, but they pronounce the name "Vasil Levski" clearly and with special attention.
In the Scandinavian countries, where the Bulgarian communities are smaller, the celebrations were more modest, but not less heartfelt. Some groups gathered in private homes or small halls, lit a candle, listened to a short speech and a minute of silence. Others organized online meetings in which compatriots from different cities participated to share poems, songs and personal reflections on Levski's work.
On social media, Bulgarians abroad filled their news feeds with photos of monuments, quotes and black-and-white portraits. Underneath them were words like "We don't forget", "We miss you, Fatherland, but we carry it in our hearts" and "Levski is there where there are Bulgarians". For many, this is a way to be together, even when they are physically separated by thousands of kilometers.
The organizers of the events abroad often do it entirely voluntarily – after work, on weekends, with personal funds and a lot of enthusiasm. They say that every year they strive to add something new - a new quiz, an exhibition or an invitation to local friends to attend. Thus, the day dedicated to Levski turns not only into a memory of the past, but also into an opportunity to show Bulgaria as you carry it within yourself.
In each of these points around the world, the overall feeling was the same - a quiet but deep connection with the homeland. When someone read aloud the words "If I win, the whole people win – if I lose, I only lose myself", a special silence fell in the halls. For a moment, the distance between Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and all these Londons, Berlins and Chicagos seemed to disappear.
Thus, far from their native streets, Bulgarians abroad paid tribute to the man whom generations have called the Apostle. For some, this is a duty, for others - a need, for others - a way to show their children where they come from. But for everyone, February 18 remains a day in which, wherever they are, they look towards Bulgaria and quietly repeat Levski's words – as a promise to themselves.