More than 500 students to mark Bulgaria's National Awakeners Day in Gorna Oryahovitsa

Gorna Oryahovitsa will mark Bulgaria's National Awakeners Day with a new city-wide celebration on 29 October 2026. Organised by the municipality, the evening programme will centre on Georgi Izmirliev Square. More than 500 students from eight schools are expected to take part with their teachers.

Starting at 18:00 at Georgi Izmirliev Square

For the first time, the local programme will include a torchlight procession, described by organisers as a symbolic lighting of the flame of knowledge. Participants will represent Ivan Vazov and Saints Cyril and Methodius primary schools, Vicho Grancharov and Georgi Izmirliev secondary schools, and four vocational high schools in the city.

The evening will feature the brass band of the local Centre for Personal Development Support and the Slavyansko Edinstvo choir. Students will read essays and poems written for the occasion. A light show accompanied by Bulgarian Revival-era music and a performance by the Kadem dance group from Plovdiv will conclude the celebration.

Municipal Awakener awards earlier in the day

At 13:00 on 29 October, the Nedialko Karaneshev Exhibition Halls will host the presentation of the Municipality of Gorna Oryahovitsa's National Awakener awards in culture and the arts, education and science. The day will therefore combine recognition for contemporary educators with the participation of young people.

The event was announced in advance by Gorna Oryahovitsa Municipality on 26 October. It is scheduled for 29 October and has not yet taken place.

Source: Gorna Oryahovitsa Municipality, official announcement dated 26 October 2026.

Photo: Ed Robertson / Unsplash (Unsplash License). Illustrative image of books, not a photograph from the upcoming event.

Official Gorna Oryahovitsa Municipality announcement