site.btaToday's Observances: Dec. 2

The world:

- International Day for the Abolition of Slavery;

- National Day of Laos: Republic Day (1975);

- National Day of the United Arab Emirates: Independence Day (1971).

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1851: First symphony orchestra established in Shoumen.

1949: Sofia Thermal Power Plant goes into operation with 1200 MW capacity.

1985: BTA institutes Joseph Herbst journalism award to commemorate his 110th birth and 60th death anniversary. Herbst is first director of press (1908-1911).

2003: First liver cell transplant performed at Alexandrovska Hospital in Sofia (world's fourth after US, Britain and Germany).

2004: Monument to freedom fighter Captain Petko Voyvoda (1844-1900) unveiled in Rome next to Giuseppe Garibaldi monument on Janiculum Hill, marking Petko's 160th birth anniversary.

2005: Consulate General inaugurated in Shanghai.