site.btaBessarabian Bulgarians' Day Observed on October 29

October 29 is marked as Bessarabian Bulgarians' Day. The initiative to establish the holiday came from Dimitar Todorov, Secretary General of the All-Bulgarian Union Father Paisius. The day commemorates the consecration of the Transfiguration Cathedral in 1838 in Bolhrad, presend-day Ukraine. It was the first major Orthodox church built by Bulgarian settlers in Bessarabia using their own funds and labour, with more than 10,000 people taking part in its construction.

The tradition of celebrating the holiday was interrupted after the Second World War (1939–1945) and was officially revived in the late 20th century at the initiative of Rodolyubets, a cultural and educational association promoting ties with Bessarabian and Tavrian Bulgarians.

Today, Bessarabian Bulgarians' Day is celebrated in Bulgaria, Ukraine and Moldova with concerts, exhibitions, cultural events and academic conferences dedicated to the traditions and history of the Bulgarian community. The day is an opportunity to pay tribute to the community’s contribution to Bulgaria’s development.