Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

The tragedy in Kočani

Bulgaria declares National Day of Mourning in memory of the victims of Kocani nightclub fire

Photo: BTA

March 18, 2025 has been declared a National Day of Mourning in memory of the young people who died in the tragic fire in a nightclub in the town of Kočani, Republic of North Macedonia. The decision to this effect was made yesterday by the Bulgarian Council of Ministers.
The Bulgarian Government expresses its condolences to the relatives of the deceased, and in their memory, the national flags of state institutions will be lowered throughout the day.

Last night, in the Sofia-based Saint Nedelya Cathedral, His Holiness the Bulgarian Patriarch and Metropolitan of Sofia Daniil served a requiem prayer for those who died in the tragic incident in Kocani. The service was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of North Macedonia to Bulgaria Agneza Rusi.

After the liturgy, a consecration of oil was served for the healing of the victims.

"Your Excellency, brothers and sisters, we mourn together with the people of North Macedonia in these days of mourning for the loss of all the people who died in Kocani. We pray for the repose of their souls and express our sincere and deepest condolences for the misfortune that has befallen you. Also for God's help and support to all those who survived this tragedy, but are infirm, suffering from burns," said Patriarch Daniil.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Phenomena STEAM Museum opens in Sofia

Sofia has a new spot for curious minds. Phenomena is a museum where science and art come together — a place to experiment, discover, and get hands-on with the wonders of how the world works. Rooted in the spirit of STEAM education — that’s Science,..

published on 11/2/25 11:05 AM

A politician, diplomats and military figures: the heroes of Sofia's new museum.

‘In my view, the period between Bulgaria’s liberation and 1944 was especially significant because I believe that the country was then on the right developmental path,’ says collector Filip Milanov. ‘That era produced many people of exceptional integrity..

published on 11/2/25 10:15 AM

Fearless Bulgarian Women Who Said “No” to the Rules

On 1 November, Bulgaria’s National Awakeners' Day, Sofia’s Gina Kuncheva Square will come alive in a truly remarkable way. From midday, the Oborishte Municipality and the Buditelkite Foundation will unveil the country’s first interactive outdoor museum,..

published on 11/1/25 7:40 AM