The celebrations have started marking the 136th anniversary of the epic battles at Shipka Peak. The events are taking place under the patronage of President Rossen Plevneliev. The battle for the Shipka Pass was a turning point during the Russo-Turkish war of 1877-78. The head of state will attend the requiescat in memory of the victims who fell for the protection of Shipka and will lay a wreath at the Monument of Freedom. The celebrations also envisage a race for mounting the 890 steps leading up to the Monument at the historical Shipka Peak. Professor Anderi Pantev will hold an open air history class and the evening will end with a ceremony tattoo and a speech delivered by National Assembly Chairman Mihail Mikov.
Thousands of Bulgarians climbed up the historic Shipka Peak to take part in the festive events due to the 136th anniversary since the Battle for Shipka – one of the key moments in the 1877 – 1878 Russo-Turkish war. President Plevneliev said in his speech that the fundaments of the new Bulgarian statehood and army were placed by the heroes of Shipka. “We bow before the brave and dignified Bulgarian, Russian, Finnish and Romanian warriors, who won the liberty of this country,” Rosen Plevneliev said. The president and thousands of Bulgarians attended the requiescat in memory of the dead defenders of Shipka. The historic battle was re-created.
