site.btaObservances: February 21-22

February 21

Bulgaria:

• Day of gratitude to people who resisted Nazism in Bulgaria. 

The world: 

• International Mother Language Day.

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1864: The Oecumenical Patriarchate calls a gathering on the issue of the autonomy of the Bulgarian Church with the participation of the patriarchs for Alexandria, Jerusalem and Antioch.

1896: A law introducing the death penalty in the country is promulgated in the Official Gazette.

1992: Parliament adopts the Restitution Act concerning properties expropriated by the Council of Ministers between 1947 and 1962.

2008: The Bulgarian National Bank releases a commemorative silver coin, minted in 10,000 pieces, dedicated to the 130th anniversary of Bulgaria's liberation.

February 22

The world:

• European Day for Victims of Crime.

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1928: Professional ballet begins in Bulgaria: "Coppelia" by French composer Leo Delibes premieres in the country.

1945: The schism imposed on the Bulgarian Church by the Patriarchate of Constantinople in 1872 is lifted.

1961: Bulgaria establishes diplomatic relations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (called Zaire until May 18, 1997).

1991: The National Assembly reintroduces private land ownership.

1996: The Jose Marti Foundation is set up to promote information sharing, cultural relations and business contacts between Bulgaria and Cuba.