Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Bulgaria marks the Day of the National Enlighteners

Photo: BGNES

The Day of the National Enlighteners is dedicated to the bright personalities of the Bulgarian history. It was established over a century ago. The holiday is marked on November 1. On the same day the Eastern Orthodoxy honors under the Julian Calendar Saint Ivan of Rila, who is regarded as the patron of the Bulgarian people. His name is mentioned in a series of hymns dedicated to the Day of the National Enlighteners. The first piece in Bulgaria's history created especially for that holiday is named O, Awakeners. The music and the lyrics were written by renowned Bulgarian composer Dobri Hristov. It is to the rendition of the Bulgarian  Svetoslav Obretenov Phylharmonic Choir and the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Georgi Robev.

Over three decades ago conductor Georgi Robev revived some of the oldest choir pieces dedicated to Bulgarian Enlighteners. Unfortunately, the names of some authors are still unknown, but these songs continue to sound on that great day. All recordings included in this article were made with the Bulgarian Svetoslav  Obretenov Phylharmonic Choir and the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra.


The audio file contains the following songs: 

1  O, Awakeners

2  Today is a Glorious Day, dedicated to Saints Cyril and Methodius

3  This holiday is a gift to us!

4 Today is a festive day!

5- The Day of the National Enlighteners


English version: Kostadin Atanasov




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

A "Christmas Miracle" is here to hear

One of the latest releases is "Christmas Miracle" , performed by young singers Stefani Ilieva and Stoycho Stoychev, aka STOYCHOS. "With this duet we hope to reach people's hearts, so that everyone can identify with our message, get a feeling of..

published on 12/23/24 2:00 PM

Johann Strauss Ensemble from Austria brings Vienna Magic to Veliko Tarnovo

The Johann Strauss Ensemble from Austria, with conductor Russell McGregor, will give a Christmas concert Vienna Magic at the Vasil Levski palace of culture and sports in Veliko Tarnovo tonight. The concert will feature special guest stars..

published on 12/21/24 7:15 AM

Svetoglas male chamber ensemble celebrates 15 years on stage

With performances of selected songs from their repertoire, the Svetoglas male chamber ensemble will celebrate 15 years on stage . The four singers: Daniel Spasov, Stanimir Ivanov, Nikolay Boyanov and Milen Ivanov sing acapella (without instrumental..

published on 12/16/24 11:52 AM