Unification Day (Bulgaria)

Unification Day is a public holiday in Bulgaria, observed on September 6 each year. The holiday commemorates the unification of the autonomous Ottoman province of Eastern Rumelia and the Principality of Bulgaria in 1885.

In the 14^th century, the Ottoman Empire conquered the Bulgarian Empire in the Bulgarian-Ottoman wars, which resulted in the collapse of the Bulgarian Empire. Various forms of armed struggle for independence against the Ottoman Empire took place in Bulgaria, and these uprisings culminated in the massive revolt in the late 19^th century: the April Uprising.

The April Uprising happened in April 1876, and it was suppressed by the Ottoman authorities. However, it caused an international reaction, leading to the Russo-Turkish War in 1877 – 1878. The Russian-led coalition won the war, which led to the Liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman Empire on March 3, 1978.

However, Eastern Roumelia was separated from the newly formed Bulgarian state and became an autonomous province within the Ottoman Empire according to the Treaty of Berlin (1878). Bulgarian citizens considered that unfair and started peaceful demonstrations against the decision.

The Principality of Bulgaria and the autonomous Ottoman province of Eastern Rumelia were united on September 6, 1885.

The following is the list of Unification Day in Bulgaria from 2022 to 2026.

Please check more public holidays in Bulgaria: