When it falls and holiday status
Students’ Day, known in Bulgarian as Studentski praznik, takes place on 8 December every year. It is not a public holiday: it is a normal working day in Bulgaria. In 2026, the celebration falls on Tuesday, 8 December.
The distinction is between a day without classes for higher education institutions and a public day off. For other people working in Bulgaria, 8 December is an ordinary working day.
How the tradition began
The holiday dates back to a decision made in 1902 by the Academic Council of the Higher School in Sofia, now Sofia University. The council chose the feast day of St Clement of Ohrid as the institution’s holiday.
Under the old calendar, the saint’s day was 25 November, corresponding to 8 December in the new calendar. Students celebrated the holiday for the first time on 8 December 1903.
St Clement of Ohrid was a disciple of Cyril and Methodius and the founder of the Ohrid Literary School. He is the patron saint of Bulgaria’s first university.
How students celebrate
Over time, 8 December became a celebration for all students in Bulgaria, rather than only those at Sofia University. Since 1994, a decision by the Council of Rectors has made it a day without classes at higher education institutions.
Students mark the occasion with concerts, sporting events and evening parties, while universities hold formal ceremonies.