A day dedicated to peace
International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981. Since 2002, it has been observed every year on 21 September. The UN calls for a 24-hour ceasefire and non-violence around the world on this day.
Each year, the UN announces a theme for the observance. Themes relate to building a culture of peace, the climate, equality or human rights, giving the day a particular focus alongside its wider message of peace.
The Peace Bell
The day traditionally begins with the ringing of the Peace Bell at UN headquarters in New York. The UN Secretary-General rings it to mark the opening of the International Day of Peace.
The bell was a gift from the United Nations Association of Japan in 1954. It was cast from coins and medals donated by people from many countries, including coins given by children. Its inscription reads, “Long live absolute world peace.”
Observance and working-day status in Bulgaria
International Day of Peace is not a public holiday or a day off in Bulgaria: it is a normal working day. It falls immediately before Bulgaria’s Independence Day, which is on 22 September.
Schools and organisations mark the occasion with talks about tolerance, understanding and peaceful ways of resolving conflicts. These discussions reflect the day’s focus on peace and non-violence.
In 2026, the observance falls on Monday, 21 September. It falls on Tuesday in 2027 and Thursday in 2028, keeping the same date each year.