site.btaObservances: October 18-19

October 18:

The world:

European Anti-Trafficking Day.

Bulgaria:

Paratroopers Day.

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1908: The newly established Bulgarian Operatic Association (renamed National Opera in 1922) stages its first test performance: excerpts from Gounod's Faust and Verdi's Il Trovatore.

1917: Earthquake measuring 5 points on Richter Scale strikes near Sofia, causing damage to property.

1925: Diplomatic relations with Turkey, severed on November 28, 1918, are restored at legation level. Promoted to embassy level on May 28, 1966.

1925: First postwar Treaty of Friendship between Bulgaria and Turkey (Treaty of Angora) is signed.

1993: Bulgaria is admitted as full member of International Organisation of La Francophonie.

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.