Varna celebrates 148 years since its Liberation: Program and events

27.07.2026 | Region

Varna marks 148 years since its liberation from Ottoman rule. See the details regarding the festive rituals, commemorative events, and the evening concert in front of the Opera House.

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Varna celebrated 148 years since its Liberation

On July 27, Varna solemnly celebrated 148 years since its Liberation. The city-wide commemoration took place in the courtyard of the "Saint Archangel Michael" Spiritual and Educational Center, where dozens of citizens gathered to honor the memory of those who died for the freedom of Bulgaria.

Varna is the last city in Bulgaria to receive its freedom after the end of the Russo-Turkish War.

Military rituals and tribute

Priests from the Varna and Veliki Preslav Metropolitanate held a memorial service in honor of the liberators. Representatives of the Naval Forces performed a solemn military ritual, after which officials and citizens laid wreaths and flowers.

Festive program

The historical context of the event takes Varna back to July 26, when General Stolypin handed the order to Fazli Pasha to leave the city. The following day, July 27, the population officially welcomed the liberators, although the actual takeover of governance by local Bulgarians was finalized only at the end of October.