Culture and Literacy Day in Bulgaria

Culture and Literacy Day, celebrated on May 24th in Bulgaria, is a national holiday dedicated to the Cyrillic alphabet, Slavic literature, and culture. The day pays tribute to the creators of the Cyrillic script, Saints Cyril and Methodius. These two brothers were Byzantine missionaries who played a pivotal role in spreading Christianity and literacy among the Slavic people of the Great Moravian Empire in the 9th century.

The history of this day dates back to 1851 when it was first celebrated in Plovdiv but it became a national holiday in 1990 after the fall of the communist regime. The day was chosen because it is traditionally considered to be the feast day of Saints Cyril and Methodius.

On Culture and Literacy Day, various events take place across Bulgaria:

• Parades: Schools and cultural institutions organize parades with students and teachers dressed in traditional costumes.
• Awards: The government often uses this occasion to recognize achievements in Bulgarian arts and culture by awarding medals and honors.
• Performances: Concerts, literary readings, exhibitions, and other cultural performances showcase Bulgarian traditions as well as contemporary art.
• Education: Educational activities focus on the importance of literacy and cultural identity.

The celebration serves as a reminder of Bulgaria’s rich heritage and its contribution to European culture through the widespread adoption of the Cyrillic alphabet which is used by many Slavic nations today.