Bulgaria marks its Independence Day on September 22, commemorating the day in 1908 when the country formally declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire. This historic act, proclaimed at the Holy Forty Martyrs Church in the city of Veliko Tarnovo by Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria, marked the culmination of decades of struggle for sovereignty and self-determination. Independence Day is traditionally observed with formal ceremonies, particularly in Sofia and Veliko Tarnovo. In Veliko Tarnovo, the historic act of proclamation is remembered with reenactments, cultural programs, and visits to key historical sites that celebrate the city’s central role in the country’s nationhood. Independence Day remains a moment for both reflection and celebration.