site.btaObservances: May 1-3

May 1

Bulgaria:

- International Workers' Day (May Day);

- Day of Bulgarians Fallen for Macedonia.

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1859: First Bulgarian secondary school abroad opens in Bolhrad, Bessarabia (in today's Ukraine).

1879: First medical treatment facility, Aleksandrovska Hospital, opens in Sofia.

1888: Sofia Zoo is founded by royal decree. Oldest and biggest zoo in the Balkans.

1973: First full colour TV programme is aired.

1982: Agricultural Academy is established.

May 2

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1876: April Uprising against Ottoman rule breaks out.

1991: Seventh Grand National Assembly passes Protection of Competition Act.

2013: New 5 euro note is put into circulation, with the designation "euro" written in Cyrillic alphabet.

May 3

The world:

- Poland: Constitution Day (1791);

- World Press Freedom Day.

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1891: First Socialist meeting in Bulgaria takes place in Tarnovo, chaired by Dimitar Blagoev, founder of country's Socialist movement.

1893: Fourth Grand National Assembly is convened in Tarnovo.

1990: Diplomatic relations with Israel restored at embassy level (severed June 10, 1967).

1998: Bulgaria leaves World Council of Churches (member since 1961).

2006: National Tourism Board established in Sofia.