Bulgaria’s National Day
Bulgaria Celebrates on the 1st March – John Townsend
The 1st March is Bulgaria’s National Day and a public holiday.
On this date each year, the Bulgarian Embassy, in Queen’s Gate, London (just round the corner from the Royal Albert Hall), holds a Reception at midday for friends and diplomats from other Embassies in London. The event is usually hosted by the Bulgarian Ambassador and his staff.
I have been fortunate to have received an invitation on a number of occasions, and it is always a pleasure to renew friendships with the Ambassador and his international team led by Mrs Tanya Koicheva – who I first met in Bulgaria, when she was working for UKTI in the British Embassy in Sofia.
On this occasion, the Ambassador was not present, as his Konstantin Dimitrov has finished his term and the new Ambassador has not arrived yet – on this occasion the Chargé d’Affairs, Mrs Teofana Kraynina-Yordanova, acted as host.
After the playing of the national anthems of Bulgaria and the UK, the host gave a short speech of welcome and there followed some musical entertainment while the guests mingled and were served wine and canapés. The music was provided by a trio consisting of a lady pianist with two identical twin brothers, playing trumpet and clarinet – the twins were born in Sofia and are the grandsons of a famous Bulgarian composer.
Many of those present were wearing ‘Martinitas’ – a unique Bulgarian token of friendship and prosperity. Martinitsas are made form of red and white wool and take the form of anything from simple bracelets to decorative male and female dolls. They are worn throughout March, or until trees break into flower or storks begin to nest – they are then tied to trees or bushes.
John Townsend
