2024 Public Holidays in Bulgaria

Public Holidays in Bulgaria 2024

Bulgaria celebrates a variety of public holidays throughout the year, each with its own cultural, historical, and religious significance. These holidays are marked by traditions, ceremonies, and festivities that reflect the rich heritage of the country. In this guide, we will explore the public holidays in Bulgaria for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.

New Year’s Day – January 1, 2024

New Year’s Day is celebrated worldwide on January 1st, marking the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. In Bulgaria, it is a time for gatherings with family and friends, as well as for public celebrations in cities and towns across the country. Festivities typically include fireworks displays, live music, and traditional Bulgarian cuisine.

Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Bulgaria, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.

Liberation Day – March 3, 2024

Liberation Day, also known as Bulgaria’s National Day, commemorates the country’s liberation from Ottoman rule on March 3, 1878. It is one of Bulgaria’s most important national holidays, marked by patriotic ceremonies, flag-raising events, and cultural performances. Liberation Day is a time for Bulgarians to celebrate their independence and reflect on their nation’s history.

Days off: Liberation Day is a public holiday in Bulgaria, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.

Orthodox Easter Sunday – April 14, 2024

Orthodox Easter is the most significant religious holiday in Bulgaria, celebrated by members of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the New Testament. Orthodox Bulgarians attend church services, exchange Easter greetings, and participate in festive meals with family and friends.

Days off: Orthodox Easter Sunday is a public holiday in Bulgaria, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.

International Workers’ Day – May 1, 2024

International Workers’ Day, also known as Labor Day, is observed worldwide to honor the contributions of workers to society and advocate for labor rights and improved working conditions. In Bulgaria, it is marked by rallies, demonstrations, and other events organized by trade unions and labor organizations.

Days off: International Workers’ Day is a public holiday in Bulgaria, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.

Saints Cyril and Methodius Day – May 24, 2024

Saints Cyril and Methodius Day, also known as the Day of the Bulgarian Enlightenment and Culture and the Slavonic Alphabet, commemorates the brothers Cyril and Methodius, who created the Cyrillic alphabet and played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in the Slavic world. The holiday is celebrated with cultural events, educational activities, and ceremonies honoring Bulgaria’s literary and linguistic heritage.

Days off: Saints Cyril and Methodius Day is a public holiday in Bulgaria, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.

Unification Day – September 6, 2024

Unification Day commemorates the unification of Eastern Rumelia with the Principality of Bulgaria on September 6, 1885. It is a day to celebrate Bulgarian unity and solidarity, marked by patriotic speeches, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural events. Unification Day is an occasion for Bulgarians to reflect on their nation’s history and reaffirm their commitment to national unity.

Days off: Unification Day is a public holiday in Bulgaria, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.

Independence Day – September 22, 2024

Independence Day in Bulgaria commemorates the country’s declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire on September 22, 1908. It is a day of national pride and reflection, marked by official ceremonies, flag-raising events, and cultural performances. Independence Day is an opportunity for Bulgarians to celebrate their sovereignty and honor those who fought for Bulgaria’s freedom.

Days off: Independence Day is a public holiday in Bulgaria, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.

Christmas Day – December 25, 2024

Christmas Day is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed with religious services, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts. In Bulgaria, Christmas is a time for family gatherings, traditional rituals, and acts of charity. Many Bulgarians attend midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and enjoy a festive meal with loved ones on Christmas Day.

Days off: Christmas Day is a public holiday in Bulgaria, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.

Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Bulgaria 2024