The celebration of the national holiday of Bulgaria – March 3rd – began with the raising of the national flags in the bigger cities across the country.

In Sofia, the official ceremony that marked the 131st anniversary of the Bulgarian freedom began with the raising of the national flag in front of the Monument of the Unknown Soldier.

The president and primary commander-in-chief of the Bulgarian army Georgi Parvanov participated in the ceremony. The president greeted the guard of honour for the national holiday. The Bulgarian flag was raised under the sounds of the national anthem and cannon fire.

The president Georgi Parvanov laid wreathes in front of the Monument of the Unknown Soldier.

The ceremony ended with the march of the guard, followed by the ring of the bells of the cathedral “St. Alexander Nevski”.

The ceremony was attended by many high ranking officials, including the chairman of the parliament Georgi Pirinski, the prime minister Sergey Stanishev, deputees, ministers, high ranking military officials, representatives of the Bulgarian orthodox church and others. Many citizens were also present.