The southwestern town of Petrich marked Bulgaria’s national holiday on Thursday with a procession on the occasion of the 138^th anniversary of the liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule.

The procession was the first of its kind and was organised under the initiative of the youth formation of the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organisation (VMRO).

It was led led by the leader of VMRO and member of the parliamentary group of the Patriotic Front (PF) Krasimir Karakachanov.

VMRO’s MP from the town of Sandanski, Atanas Stoyanov, also participated in the procession, which was accompanied by musicians playing bagpipes.

Many citizens joined in the procession, with their number exceeding 1000 people.

In a speech, Karakachanov called on Bulgarians to remember the deeds and ideals of their forefathers, in particular the revolutionaries and enlighteners as well as the 120 000 Bulgarians who died in revolts and wars following the country’s liberation.

He also urged Bulgarians to commemorate the 66 000 Russian soldiers, who gave their lives for the liberation of Bulgaria during the Russo-Turkish war of 1877-1878.

Karakachanov also turned to the two million Bulgarians abroad who are expecting Bulgaria to start paying attention to them.

He ended by saying that Bulgarians should stay united and be proud of their nationality in order for the country to prosper.