The Municipality of Vratsa has raised concerns after Bulgarian National Television (BNT) requested a fee of 10,000 euros to broadcast the traditional dawn rally on June 1, part of the annual commemorations dedicated to poet and revolutionary Hristo Botev, BULNews and BNR reported. The request, described locally as unprecedented, comes ahead of the “Botev Days,” which mark one of the most significant historical anniversaries in the region.

According to municipal authorities, this year’s edition of the celebrations is particularly important as it coincides with the 150th anniversary of Botev’s death and the campaign of his detachment. The program planned for the commemorations includes more than 45 separate events across Vratsa, reflecting the scale and national importance of the occasion.

The total cost of organizing the events is estimated at around 80,000 euros, with officials warning that parts of the program may be at risk due to budget constraints and unexpected expenses. The municipality argues that current funding mechanisms are insufficient to fully cover the scope of the planned activities.

Vratsa’s mayor, Kalin Kamenov, has appealed to the caretaker government and relevant state institutions to provide financial assistance. He pointed to what he described as a positive precedent in state support for other national historical commemorations, suggesting that similar attention should be given to the “Botev Days” given their cultural and symbolic significance.

In parallel, the municipality has sent formal requests to multiple institutions seeking additional funding to ensure the events can proceed as planned. Local authorities stress that maintaining the scale and dignity of the commemorations is a priority, especially given the presence of state representatives and large public attendance in Vratsa on June 1.

City officials underline that the “Botev Days” remain one of the most important cultural and historical observances in Bulgaria, bringing together thousands of participants and honoring those who died in the struggle for national liberation.