site.btaDecember 26, 1967: Renowned Writer Chudomir Passes Away

On December 26, 1967, writer, humourist and artist Dimitar Chorbadzhiyski, known as Chudomir, passed away. The artist died after nearly a year-long battle with cancer. 

Chudomir's funeral ceremony was held on December 28 in his hometown of Kazanlak. It was attended by representatives of the state leadership, cultural figures, and thousands of citizens. Documents from that time say that there was "a funeral procession of many thousands, the likes of which the people of Kazanlak had probably never seen before."

He was buried in the yard of his house, which the following year, in 1968, was turned into the Chudomir Literary and Art Museum.

One of Chudomir's most popular stories is called "At a Funeral," in which he describes with his characteristic humor the absurdities of provincial mourning rituals through the character Gicho Stafunski.

Here's what BTA's Home News Department wrote on the date:

"Having begun his creative career as a cartoonist in humorous publications before World War I, Chudomir found his true calling as the author of unforgettable and widely popular humorous stories; creator of a rich gallery of vivid images from folk life, master of the cheerful wit characteristic of Bulgarians, Chudomir has been our people's favorite writer for more than thirty years. His cheerful work, born among the people, remains there forever, continuing to heal human weaknesses and shortcomings through laughter."

Chudomir was awarded the Order of Cyril and Methodius, Second Class (September 23, 1951), the Order of Cyril and Methodius, First Class (1959), and the Order of the People's Republic of Bulgaria, First Class (March 1965). He was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist.

In 1992, a foundation was established in his name.