site.btaPresident Attends Opening Ceremony of Vlaykov Days in Pirdop, Dedicated to Todor Vlaykov

President Rumen Radev was among the official guests at the opening ceremony of the annual Vlaykov Days cultural celebrations in the town of Pirdop, dedicated to the life and work of Bulgarian writer, publicist, and politician Todor Vlaykov. The festival, which traditionally runs from May 11 to May 24, which marks the Day of the Holy Brothers Cyril and Methodius, of the Bulgarian Alphabet, Education and Culture and of Slav Letters, has been organized by the Municipality of Pirdop since 1992.

In his address, President Radev praised Todor Vlaykov’s enduring legacy, noting his powerful literary contributions, his lasting journalistic voice, and his significant role in Bulgaria’s public and political life. "Most valuable," the President emphasized, "is Vlaykov’s moral compass, defined by deep ethics, humility, and a strong civic conscience".

Radev was joined by Pirdop Mayor Angel Gerov, Municipal Council Chair Kristina Petkova, Bulgaria’s Ambassador to Romania Radko Vlaykov – a descendant of Todor Vlaykov, among members of the National Assembly. The officials paid tribute by laying wreaths and flowers at Vlaykov’s monument in front of the local community centre.

Since 2007, the municipality has also awarded the Todor Vlaykov National Literary Award as part of the festival.

Todor Vlaykov was born on February 13, 1865, and passed away on April 28, 1943. He worked as a teacher in Pirdop and Veliko Tarnovo (1888–1892), school inspector in Sofia’s educational district (1892–1894), and teacher of Russian and Bulgarian at the Sofia Boys' High School (1894–1896). Vlaykov founded the first Bulgarian cooperative in the village of Mirkovo—Oralo Mutual Savings Agricultural Society (1890), as well as the Bulgarian Popular Educational Society (1893). He was one of the founders of the Bulgarian Teachers' Union (1895) and served as its chair in 1898. Vlaykov also authored Bulgaria’s first school readers following the country’s liberation.