May 24 – Day of Cyril and Methodius, Bulgarian Alphabet and Culture

May 24 is one of Bulgaria's most revered holidays — the Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the Bulgarian Alphabet, Education and Culture, and Slavic Literacy. The holiday celebrates not only the inventors of the first Slavic script, but also Bulgaria's historical contribution to cultural preservation.

After the disciples of Cyril and Methodius arrived in Bulgaria in 886 AD, their mission continued. The Cyrillic script was developed in the Preslav Literary School and later spread throughout the Slavic world.

Even under Byzantine rule, Bulgarian spirituality endured. Scholar Dmitry Likhachov described Bulgaria as a “State of the Spirit,” surviving through culture when it lacked political sovereignty.

Historical records of early celebrations exist from 1813 in Shumen. The first organized celebration during the Bulgarian National Revival was on May 11, 1851 in Plovdiv, initiated by educator Nayden Gerov. Later, May 24 became the established national date for honoring this legacy.

As Professor Roger Bernard noted, “By preserving the work of Cyril and Methodius, Bulgaria earned the respect not only of Slavic nations, but of the entire world.”