Sofia, 6 September 2022 (TDI): The Unification Day of Bulgaria is celebrated every year on the 6th of September as a public holiday.
Bulgaria celebrates #UnificationDay This is the anniversary of the unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and the autonomous Ottoman province of Eastern Rumelia, which took place on September 6th, 1885. 🇧🇬 Vive la Bulgarie ! pic.twitter.com/87nzLzMbuS
— Bulgaria in the EU (@BGPermRepEU) September 6, 2022
This day marks the anniversary of the unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and the autonomous Ottoman province of Eastern Rumelia, which took place on September 6th, 1885.
History of the Unification Day
Bulgaria became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1396. In April 1876, there was a series of uprisings against the Ottoman rule in Bulgaria.
These revolts led to a war that ended in March 1878 with the signing of the San Stefano peace treaty.
Following the liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman Rule, the major powers of that time felt that the peace treaty created a Bulgaria, that was too large and would have too much influence on the region.
As a result, the Treaty of Berlin was signed in 1878, separating Southern Bulgaria (Eastern Rumelia) from the Principality of Bulgaria.
This decision was not welcomed by the Bulgarians and in the following seven years a series of rebellions and revolts in towns in Eastern Rumelia was designed to assist in the unification process.
On September 6th, 1885, Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia declared their unification in the city of Plovdiv. The unification angered several powerful nations and led to the Serbo-Bulgarian War. Bulgaria emerged victorious from that conflict and established acceptance of its borders.
Celebrations of the Unification Day
The Unification Day of Bulgaria relatively holds more importance than the signing of the Treaty of San Stefano or the National Day of Bulgaria. Hence the celebrations are in full swing on this auspicious day.
Celebrations on this day are focused in Plovdiv, where unification was declared; though other cities and towns across the country will mark the anniversary with parades and ceremonies.
On this day Museums are open for everyone and people are offered free entry.
People participate in military roll call ceremonies and fireworks displays on this day in Plovdiv, the former capital of Eastern Rumelia. The President and Prime Minister are usually in attendance.
