"March 3 is the day of Bulgaria's liberation, when the country regained its national sovereignty and proudly stood on the map of Europe as a country equal to other European nations. Bow down to our heroes and long live Bulgaria! - said the President of the National Assembly, Rosen Zhelyazkov. On the eve of National Day, he attended a ceremony in Kazanlak, where he received a salute from representative companies of the Bulgarian Army and delivered a speech. 

The festivities began with a water blessing for the health and prosperity of the Bulgarian people by the Metropolitan of Stara Zagora, Kyprian, and the hoisting of the national flag in front of the Kazanlak Municipality building.   

Official ceremonies will be held today Liberty Memorial on Shipka Peak and at National Assembly Square in Sofia.