November 1 is a holiday for all citizens to commemorate enlightened Bulgarians who had become spiritual leaders of the nation. On this date, we pay respect to enlighteners and national liberation fighters who preserved the values, morals and faith of Bulgarian people during tumultuous centuries. The holiday is called the Day of the Enlighteners ("Buditeli"), and the Bulgarian word "Buditel” (awakener) has a Sanskrit root – Buddha, or one who is awake and seeing.

The holiday has a history of nearly 110 years. The initiative stemmed from teachers from Plovdiv, who gathered and decided that on the day of St. Ivan Rilski, they would also celebrate the Day of the National Revival Enlighteners. Their act was a protest against people forgetting the great figures of Pre-Liberation Bulgaria. The then Ministry of Education adopted the initiative from Plovdiv and imposed it throughout the country. It should be pointed out that the holiday emerged in a time of severe spiritual decline and national turmoil that came after the First World War. The dream of unification of all Bulgarians in a free and prosperous state had just collapsed and this caused turmoils and national decline. At that moment, people's leaders sought trust in the example of the most distinguished personalities of the past, who, with the power of wisdom and speech, brought people out of the darkness in times of ignorance and foreign oppression.

Today we live in a hi-tech world and we can easily lose ourselves in the vast sea of information. That is why we have been looking once again for the example of people we can call modern enlighteners. They are people knowing what true value of life means. These are people who are not tempted by money and glory, but easily show affection for family and homeland. You will not find modern awakeners in the noisy crowd on streets and squares. They speak clearly and meaningfully and a tear often drops off their eyes wen they read patriotic verses. Such people draw much experience from the books and want to spark this interest to knowledge in others.

Ana Valkova / Photo: Gergana Mancheva

"Unfortunately, fewer people read books these days and many children have problems reading. This is a mass phenomenon because they prefer to watch their smartphones and tablets. Everyday, especially during the holidays, I gather the children in the reading room of the library. I always find time to read a book to them. I make them read aloud; we have dictations and then check their mistakes. To some such activities look very scary but when they see I am good with everyone and trying to help them, they calm down and start coming to the classes with great passion. We solve math problems together, too and I often organize walks to local natural and historical landmarks. I tell them about the history and the great people born in this region. Everyone is waiting for me in front of the library to start with our activities and I just cannot imagine that children would come but the community center would be closed. That is why I don't go in vacation during the summer recess."

People working in community centers do their best to preserve the Bulgarian spirit and make others awake, Annna Vulkova says and adds:

"I am very indignant at the promotion of non-Bulgarian and non-Orthodox holidays, such as Halloween. I feel indignation when I find out that in some school they do a masquerade instead of celebrating the Day of the Bulgarian Enlighteners. We have a wonderful holiday in the spring, when we can do masquerades - Sirni Zagovezni. Here in Karnare, the tradition is alive. This holiday is ours - Bulgarian. What would will we do if we replaced our traditions with foreign ones?"

English: Alexander Markov