site.btaUPDATED Parliament Chair Describes Freedom Fighter Hristo Botev as Symbol of Liberty against Oppression

National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova described Bulgarian revolutionary and freedom fighter Hristo Botev (1848-1876) as a symbol of liberty against oppression, a symbol of self-sacrifice for the homeland, and of complete harmony between words—found in his poetry—and the deeds he accomplished during his short life. She delivered a speech from Mount Okolchitsa, where a national memorial tribute is being held in honor of Hristo Botev and his detachment.

According to Kiselova, Botev lives on through his humanistic ideals, his democratic values, and his faith in the future of a free Bulgaria.

The tribute began with a prayer service led by Metropolitan Grigoriy of Vratsa. “We can rightly call June 2nd the Day of Bulgarian Heroism,” he said.

The commemoration was attended by MPs, regional governors, Vratsa (NW Bulgaria) Municipal Council Chair, Vratsa Mayor, military servicepersons, citizens, among others.

According to BTA’s Reference Department, the Day of Botev and Those Who Died for the Freedom and Independence of Bulgaria—June 2nd—was first commemorated in 1884 in Vratsa and Plovdiv. It has been officially observed since 1901, when Botev’s surviving comrades attended the ceremonies on Mount Vola.

From 1953 to 1988, the day was celebrated as the Day of Botev and of those who died in the struggle against Turkish rule, capitalism, fascism, and in the Patriotic War. From 1988 to 1990, it was marked as the Day of Botev and of those who died for the national and social liberation of Bulgaria. Between 1991 and 1993, it was recognized as the Day of Botev and of those who died for Bulgaria’s freedom.

By decision of the Council of Ministers on May 31, 1993, June 2nd was declared the Day of Botev and of those who died for the freedom and independence of Bulgaria.

Since 1948, every year on June 2nd at exactly 12:00 p.m., a nationwide minute of silence is observed, marked by the sound of sirens and the ringing of bells for two minutes, in honor of those who gave their lives for Bulgaria’s freedom and independence.