Culture And Literacy Day
Culture and Literacy Day is a holiday observed annually in Bulgaria every May 24th. This national holiday is celebrated across the country with cultural and academic events centered around Slavic literature, Bulgarian culture, and the Bulgarian Cyrillic script. Because this holiday is a public holiday, it is not only a day off for the general population, but schools, government buildings, and many businesses are also closed on the day.
This day has been celebrated since 1990, and the name of this holiday was recently changed to Day of the Holy Brothers Cyril and Methodius, of the Bulgarian Alphabet, Education and Culture, and of Slavic Literature. Many people still refer to this holiday by its former name, however.
The History of Culture and Literacy Day in Bulgaria
This holiday began in the 1990s to honor the accomplishments of Saints Cyril and Methodius. It started with people merely laying wreaths on the monuments of the two saints but has quickly grown to include concerts, processions, and cultural events throughout Bulgaria.
The two saints are significant because they created the Cyrillic alphabet in the 9th century. They are considered Bulgaria’s patrons of education and culture as well and were declared co-patron saints of Europe by Pope John Paul II in 1980.
Facts About Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a fascinating country, so let’s take a few moments to go over some facts about it below.
- Bulgaria was established in 681 AD, making it one of the oldest European countries.
- Almost a third of Bulgaria is covered in forests.
- Bulgaria is one of the world’s largest wine-exporting countries.
- There are 9 UNESCO sites in Bulgaria: 7 of them are cultural, and 2 are natural.
- The 2 natural UNESCO sites in Bulgaria are Pirin National Park and Srebarna Nature Reserve.
Observing Culture and Literacy Day in Bulgaria
This holiday often begins in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church with special liturgical services that venerate Saints Cyril and Methodius. People also celebrate this holiday with parades, cultural events, and book fairs across Bulgaria.