November 1 is a day to commemorate Bulgarian saints, enlighteners, writers and revolutionaries, who were awakening the Bulgarian spirit in difficult times of Bulgarian history. Officially, the Day of the National Enlightenershas been celebrated since 1922, and November 1 was the day of St. John of Rila, according to the old-style calendar. This greatest Bulgarian saint /876-946/ was also proclaimed the first enlightener. In the 18th century, it was monk Paisius of Hilendar who in the darkness of Ottoman oppression and rule wrote "Istoriya Slavyanobolgarskaya" – stands out to show oppressed Bulgarians that they are a nation with glorious past. In the 19th century, the most prominent leaders were fighters for independence from Ottoman rule, such as national heroes Vasil Levski and Hristo Botev, and many others. November 1 is a holiday for Bulgarian scientists and Bulgarian journalists.