site.btaObservances: October 19

The Orthodox Church marks the feast day of St John of Rila the Miracle Worker.

Bulgaria:

• Bulgarian-Hungarian Friendship Day;
• National Doctors' Day.

On this date in Bulgarian history:

• 1886: The Third Grand National Assembly is opened in Veliko Tarnovo to elect a new Prince of Bulgaria after the abdication of Alexander I of Battenberg.
• 1991: Diplomatic relations are established with the United Arab Emirates at embassy level.
• 2000: Switzerland's Liebherr Group puts into operation its Liebherr - Hausgeraete Marica freezer and refrigerator production plant near the village of Ravadinovo, Plovdiv Municipality.
• 2002: The last combat component of the SS-23, Scud and FROG missiles is destroyed at the Zmeyovo training ground near Stara Zagora.
• 2006: By a decision of the Gabrovo Municipal Council, the House of Humour and Satire changes its status from national cultural institute into Museum House of Humour and Satire.