Independence Day in Bulgaria Date in the current year: September 22, 2024

The Ottoman Turks first invaded the territory of Bulgaria in 1354. By 1396, the entire country had been occupied by the Ottomans. In 1878, Bulgaria was granted autonomy as the Principality of Bulgaria. Thirty years later, Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria proclaimed the country's independence in the old capital of Tarnovo.

Bulgarians started to celebrate Independence Day right after the independence was proclaimed. However, in 1944 Bulgaria was invaded by the Soviet Union, and the celebration was abolished. The parliament of Bulgaria reinstated Bulgarian Independence Day in 1998, and the holiday has been observed every year ever since.

Bulgaria's Independence Day is a national holiday widely celebrated across the country. It is marked with official speeches, parades, open-air performances, special church services, wreath-laying ceremonies at monuments and memorials, and other festive events and activities. The largest celebrations are held in Sofia (the national capital) and Veliko Tarnovo (the city where the country's independence was proclaimed).