Hundreds of Bulgarians participated at the celebrations on the occasion of the 144^th anniversary of the Shipka Epopee and commemorated the heroes of the epopee. They climbed the historic Shipka Peak where in August 1877 the defenders of the Shipka Pass, who were Bulgarian volunteers and Russian soldiers, fought the Ottoman troops led by Suleiman Pasha. This was the key battle in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878.

“Shipka is also a symbol of the battle all Bulgarians, regardless of age, ethnicity or religion, lead deep in their hearts”, said Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev, who attended the celebrations on Shipka Peak. “This is a battle between fear and bravery, between cowardice and valor, between egoism and patriotism, which shapes our personal and national future”, added this country’s head of state Radev in his speech. President Radev voiced cofidence that “Bulgarians shall win the battle against fear through joint efforts and solidarity, so that Bulgaria can prosper”.