Culmination of Celebrations of April Uprising's 149th Anniversary Takes Place in Panagyurishte

Momchil Rusev, BTA correspondent Nikoleta Mandzhukova

A national rally with fireworks in Panagyurishte was the culmination of the celebrations of the 149th anniversary of the April Uprising on May 1, 2025 (BTA Photo/Boyan Botev)

Sofia,

01.05.2025 22:57

(BTA)

A national rally with fireworks in Panagyurishte was the culmination of the celebrations of the 149th anniversary of the April Uprising on Thursday. At the town square, named after the date of the outbreak of the uprising, National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova received the honorary formation of the representative companies of the Asenovgrad Garrison. The Main Flag of the April Uprising was hoisted with a military ritual, and the "Garland of Glory" was laid in front of the "Eternal Flame" of the April Uprising Memorial.

In her solemn speech before hundreds of residents and guests of the town, Kiselova pointed out that the April Uprising heroes "showed boundless self-sacrifice by choosing rebellion over slavish timelessness, audacity over submission, national and human dignity over a bowed head."

A speech was also made by Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov, who addressed those present with the words: "Let us be silent for a moment to hear the earth groaning beneath our feet, not from the weight of time, but because we have forgotten Bulgarian strength. That strength which 149 years ago, that strength which burned in the souls of the apostles as unconditional destiny." In Gagov's words, the Bulgarian nation has been scattered like a handful of ashes and "we, the children of heroes, have become the rathai of the foreign". "Let us be those who are called not descendants but heirs. Let our children not read about freedom but live in it," urged the Mayor.

The ceremony was also attended by Environment and Water Minister Manol Genov, MPs Krasen Kralev (GERB-UDF), Ivaylo Shotev (Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria), Ivaylo Mirchev (Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria), Nadejda Iordanova (Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria), Stoyan Taslakov (Vazrazhdane), Petya Tsankova (BSP - United Left), Pazardjik Mayor Petar Kulinski, Pazardzhik Regional Governor Velantina Kayzatova, the vicar of Plovdiv Metropolitan Nikolay, Polikarp, Bulgarian News Agency Director General Kiril Valchev, senior military officers, mayors of municipalities, public figures and clergymen.

The celebrations will end in the historic Oborishte area on Friday, where Kiselova will participate in a national commemoration.

/MR/