Topical Information

On 14 January 2026, the office of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NSORB) hosted a working meeting with the mayors of Panagyurishte, Karlovo, Bratsigovo, Koprivshtitsa, Perushtitsa, and the secretary of the municipality of Strelcha. The meeting was dedicated to the preparation and coordination of initiatives for the nationwide commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the outbreak of the April Uprising in 2026.

The meeting was organized by NSORB at the initiative of Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov, with the aim of enhancing coordination among the municipalities, establishing a common calendar of events, and exploring opportunities for state co-financing of planned celebrations. The challenges related to the absence of a National Initiative Committee were also discussed, with NSORB committing to support coordination at the municipal level.

The anniversary, which will be celebrated in 2026, is one of the most significant events in the national historical calendar and holds special importance for the municipalities directly connected to the uprising. During the meeting, planned events and initiatives in each municipality were presented and discussed, as well as possibilities for achieving a coordinated and comprehensive approach to the commemoration at the national level.

“We invited you to this meeting in connection with the 150th anniversary of the outbreak of the April Uprising in 2026. Since the state has not committed to establishing a National Initiative Committee, the Association will prepare a common calendar with official celebrations in each municipality and will submit a request to the Council of Ministers for co-financing the events,” said Silvia Georgieva, Executive Director of NSORB.

Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov emphasized the significance of the anniversary for the city: “Panagyurishte was developed on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Uprising. The National Memorial Complex ‘Apriltsi,’ the Theater-Memorial House, the town center, and the polyclinic were inaugurated in connection with the anniversary. The preparation lasted seven years. We organized a meeting with the Minister of Culture to coordinate this year’s celebrations but received no response. I then contacted the Association to arrange this working meeting.”

Mayor Gagov informed his colleagues—mayors of municipalities from the Fourth Revolutionary District—that celebrations will take place throughout the year. In Panagyurishte, the main events will begin on 30 April with a torchlight procession featuring 150 torches, a performance by the Pazardzhik Ensemble, and a children’s choir. The national celebration on 1 May in Panagyurishte will include a ceremonial procession, memorial service, historical reenactment, concert, and national fireworks, while a military-historical festival will be held on 2 May at the Oborishte site.

Mayor Gagov highlighted that such an important event as the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising requires honoring the birth of freedom and the extraordinary heroism that occurred in our lands. He added that the purpose of the commemoration is to ensure that present and future generations remember the heroism and the struggle for freedom.

Karlovo Mayor and NSORB Board member Dr. Emil Kabaivanov shared the story of how news of the uprising spread: “From the deck of the ship Radetski, Hristo Botev sent a telegram which reached the Geneva daily Journal de Genève, describing the atrocities committed by the Ottomans in suppressing the uprising. That is when Europe learned about the uprising in Bulgaria. Historians consider Botev’s detachment the symbolic end of the uprising. This year, we celebrate 168 years since Botev’s birth and have planned several events in Kalofer at the Hristo Botev National Museum.”

Karlovo’s program includes 16 initiatives, ranging from scientific conferences and publication of collections to public events across various locations from Klisura to Kalofer.

Perushtitsa Mayor Nikolay Bakov presented the municipality’s plans: “On 9 May, we will officially commemorate the April Uprising, coinciding with Europe Day, with wreath-laying, a ceremonial review, and a historical reenactment involving local performers. I know how much work and resources organizing this requires from all municipalities, but we have no time to lose.”

Koprivshtitsa Mayor Maria Toromanova added: “Our celebrations have already begun with the 175th anniversary of Kableshkov’s birth on 12 January. The official celebration will be on 30 April, with a ceremonial review, fireworks, and a drone show. On 20 April, we plan an innovative children’s game around the city related to the April Uprising and the opening of the Gankova House Museum. Official guests will arrive on 1 May for the reenactment.”

Bratsigovo Mayor Nadezhda Kazakova shared plans for around 20 events, including a photo contest, drawing competition, and performances. QR codes will be placed on bas-reliefs with the names of participants in the April Uprising in “Apriltsi Park” to provide information about each hero. Celebrations begin on 22 February with a video reenactment of the establishment of the revolutionary committee and the oath taken by Vasil Petleshkov and Georgi Benkovski at Bratsigovo and the Popsokolova House. Torchlight procession and round table will be held on 22 April, a traditional costume parade on 9 May, and a fireworks display with the military on 11 May, coinciding with the town’s holiday.

Strelcha Municipal Secretary Galya Kuncheva added: “On 30 April, the official celebration will include flag-raising, a memorial service, a ceremonial procession with flower-laying, participation in the historical reenactment with uniforms and horses, and a fireworks review.”

Participants in the meeting strongly agreed that the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising should be commemorated in a dignified, wide-ranging manner, with a clear national significance, emphasizing historical memory, educational value, and youth involvement.

The meeting laid the groundwork for subsequent joint actions and information exchange between municipalities to ensure the successful preparation and implementation of national celebrations of this key milestone in Bulgarian history.