A celebration of Varna
Varna celebrates its city day every year on 15 August, which is also the feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God. The Mother of God is honoured as the city’s patron, linking the local celebration with the religious feast.
The Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral stands in the city centre and is one of Varna’s symbols. Built in the late nineteenth century, shortly after the Liberation, it remains among the city’s most recognisable buildings.
Services and celebrations
The celebrations begin with vespers, an evening church service, on 14 August. A solemn liturgy follows at the cathedral on 15 August.
The municipality presents honorary titles and awards to distinguished citizens, and concerts form part of the programme. The evening ends with fireworks over the sea. Falling at the height of the summer season, the celebration also draws many tourists.
Public holiday status
Varna City Day is not a public holiday: it is a normal working day in Bulgaria. It is a regional celebration rather than a national day off.
The city’s ancient roots
Varna is the successor to ancient Odessos, founded by Greek colonists from Miletus in the sixth century BC. Earlier still, in the fifth millennium BC, a community near the present-day city left behind the Varna Chalcolithic Necropolis, a Copper Age burial ground. Some of the world’s oldest worked gold objects were discovered there.
Alongside this ancient heritage, the Sea Garden, harbour and beaches make Varna one of Bulgaria’s most visited destinations.