How and Why Did 19 February / 3 March Become an Official and National Holiday of Bulgaria?

Authors:

Pages: 279-291
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54664/NMRF9188

Abstract:

On the basis of official documents of the Bulgarian state from 1879 to the present day, this study analyzes the inclusion and presence of 19 February / 3 March in the official holiday calendar. Notwithstanding the designation with which 3 March has been celebrated over the years, this memorable day is almost invariably present in the festive calendar of the Third Bulgarian State. Even at times when it was not an official holiday, it has not been completely neglected and ignored, such as 22 September – the day on which Bulgaria’s independence was declared. This is largely due to the early and deep-rooted suggestion and delusion that a preliminary peace treaty between Russia and the Ottoman Empire, signed in San Stefano on 19 February / 3 March 1878, was the true end of the Russo-Turkish War and the beginning of the new Bulgarian state. This is not historically true, but it is accepted almost uncritically. This official and national holiday has never been determined as a result of public debate or through competent expert opinions. As a memorial day, 3 March does not fit the purpose assigned to it – to be a national holiday, i.e. a common Bulgarian day, to gather and unite, to inspire Bulgarian national pride and greatness.

Keywords:

Bulgarian state; official holidays; national holiday; 19 February / 3 March

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