Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 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

"Phoenix" by Jaklin Tarakci

Young Jaklin Tarakci has been singing since she was a little girl and has already accumulated many awards, but she gained much popularity as the winner of "The Voice of Bulgaria" 2022. Her debut single "Cocoa" was created by the team of producer..

published on 8/6/24 6:09 PM

Plovdiv Jazz Summer continues

Plovdiv Jazz Summer – the summer program of one of the biggest jazz festivals in the country, Plovdiv Jazz Fest, started in mid-July. The festival continues with three concerts at Summer Cinema "Orpheus" in Plovdiv and one spectacular..

published on 8/5/24 8:55 AM

Musicians from 18 countries on the stage of Bansko Jazz Festival

From August 3 to 10 th , Bansko will be a home of jazz music for the 27th time. Bansko Jazz Festival will transform squares, streets, parks and restaurants in the mountain town into a huge live stage. The rich program includes..

published on 8/2/24 8:15 AM