Representative units from the Armed Forces will participate in the ceremonial celebrations marking the 118th anniversary of Bulgaria's declaration of independence on September 22, the Ministry of Defense announced.

The program in Veliko Tarnovo will begin at 9:00 AM with a water blessing in the courtyard of the "St. 40 Martyrs" Church. This will be followed by a consecration ceremony for the battle flag of the "Vasil Levski" National Military University, as well as the flags of various state and municipal institutions, with representative units from the university participating in the ceremony. At 10:30 AM, a military ritual for raising the national flag will take place at the "Tsarevets" Architectural and Historical Reserve, followed by the laying of wreaths and flowers at the Pyramid of Independence. Starting at 1:30 PM, the representative ensemble of the Armed Forces will hold a festive concert in front of the municipal building. The celebrations in Veliko Tarnovo will conclude at 7:30 PM at "Tsar Asen I" Square with a ceremonial inspection; shortly before this, the public will be able to watch a drill demonstration with weapons performed by a representative unit from the university.

In Sofia, the official ceremony will begin at 11:00 AM at the Monument of Independence on "Alexander I" Square, featuring the National Guards Unit. At 12:00 PM, a ceremonial changing of the guard will take place in front of the Presidency Administration building.

In Varna, the formal commemoration will begin at 10:00 AM at "Independence" Square. The event is being organized jointly by the Naval Forces and the Varna and Veliki Preslav Holy Metropolis.

In Burgas, service members from the Naval Forces, Air Force, and the Logistics Support Command will participate in the celebrations. The festive events in the city will begin at 10:30 AM at "Atanas Sirekov" Square, and at 11:00 AM, a ritual for laying wreaths and flowers will be held at the Monument of the 24th Black Sea Infantry Regiment.

On September 22, service members from the Land Forces will participate in ceremonial rituals in several other cities across the country:

  • Veliko Tarnovo
  • Stara Zagora
  • Haskovo
  • Yambol
  • Pleven
  • Blagoevgrad
  • Vratsa
  • Sandanski
  • Svishtov
  • Shumen
  • Sliven
  • Ruse
  • Gorna Oryahovitsa
  • Elin Pelin

Service members from the Air Force will take part in the festive ritual to be held in Yambol.