Day Of Remembrance And Respect To Victims Of The Communist Regime
Day of Remembrance and Respect to Victims of the Communist Regime is observed annually on February 1st and honors the victims of Bulgaria’s communist era. In 1945, the “People’s Court” of the communist regime issued death sentences to a large number of individuals, and it was on February 1st of that year that the executions were carried out.
Bulgaria (Observance)This day also commemorates all other victims of communism who were imprisoned, killed outside of judicial proceedings, or “disappeared” before they could even receive a trial. This holiday has been observed since 2011.
The History of Day of Remembrance and Respect to Victims of the Communist Regime
In 1945, the communists issued sentences of harsh imprisonment to many people and also handed down death sentences to members of the former regime. Approximately 47 generals, 67 Parliament members, 22 Cabinet ministers, and 3 regents were sentenced to death. On February 1, 1945, they were executed.
In 2011, the government decreed that this day be observed every year to keep alive the truth about the communist regime and to preserve the memories of all those who died from it. It is a holiday that has been celebrated every year through a presidential decree.
Observing Day of Remembrance and Respect to Victims of the Communist Regime
On this day, wreaths are laid at memorials honoring the victims of the communist regimes, and politicians give speeches. People also spend time with their friends and family members.
Since this is not a public holiday, most businesses remain open on this day. This is a day for the people of Bulgaria to reflect on the wrongdoings of the previous communist regime and to commemorate all the individuals who were victims of that regime.
Bulgaria (Observance)
