National Awakening Day is a public holiday in Bulgaria, observed annually on 1st November, marking the birth of the modern Bulgarian nation state. It remembers and celebrates the day in 1878 when a manifesto was published by the Bulgarian leaders calling for the creation and recognition of a Bulgarian state. The day signifies the national consciousness of the Bulgarian people and their desire for cultural and political self-determination.
The holiday was first inaugurated in 1909, and then solidified its placement in Bulgaria's calendar in 1922. However, the Communist government abolished the holiday in 1945, viewing it as bourgeois and reactionary. Post communism in 1989, the festival was restored and has been celebrated annually ever since. On this day, various events are organized throughout the country, including parades, concerts, and ceremonies. Schools often hold special lessons dedicated to the historical significance of the holiday.
National Awakening Day is not just a day of celebration, but also a day of national unity and pride for Bulgarians. The holiday is a remembrance of the bravery of the country’s historical figures who devoted their lives to establishing a sovereign Bulgarian state. Through their efforts, various cultural events and traditions were preserved and continue to be a part of Bulgarian culture. The National Awakening Day serves as a testament of Bulgarian people's fight for their cultural and political independence.