The Day of Bulgarian Culture, writing and education – the British perspective
- by anna
- 25 May, 2014
It has been a few years since I was in my hometown of Burgas during the 24th of May – the day of the Bulgarian alphabet, culture and education. As usually, the day was sunny during the morning parade – although due to street repairs in Burgas, the parade started from the park and finished by the Town Hall.
Surrounded by throngs of bustling spectators, I was engulfed by the happiness, which this holiday brought to everyone – from the parents and grandparents, busily trying to spot their child, the teachers, proudly marching in the forefront of their institution, to the rest of the citizens, who had turned up to view the parade and be seen in their best. It also is the day when books, writing, culture and literature are celebrated. I am not aware of the existence of another national holiday in any other country, which resembles this one.
The uniqueness of this festival consisits in the fact, that it does not relate to an anniversary of a battle, or a political take-over, but to our alphabet, which we have kindly given to Russia– a gift so precious!
Having spend over 20 years in British education I was thinking how willing would my British students have been to participate in a parade, marching behind their school banner, band and flags? Not a lot, in fact not at all! Despite the fact that some pride in the educational establishment could be raised in sporting events or various competitions with other schools, making a public statement of belonging to and approval of the institution would not be on the cards. I watched the various schools coming down the street: the students from the Chemical College chanting enthusiastically “Chemistry”, the Enlish Language school with their purpose made t-shirts with their own logo, the Russian language school, with a group of girls dressed in Russian style with long red dresses, a number of primary schools all dressed in their best, some in folk costumes, led by brass bands and pondered! How much enthusiasm had gone in the preparations, rehearsals, folk costumes, other ware worn –none of this would have been possible if the students and their parents were not willing.
What was even more outstanding was that past generations of students were also marching – a whole group marched under the banner of Class of 1985 or something like this – those were people who have returned from all over Bulgaria, and often all over the world, in order to get together with the friends of their youth and their teachers and re-live their youth for a day, remember everyone and everything, thank their teachers and catch up on everyone’s life. Teachers are often invited to the 20th, 25th – 35th etc anniversary of the graduation of this class or another. Many of our former students, living in USA, UK, South Africa and other long-haul destinations, turn up regularly every five years for reunions like this.
But the parade does not complete the day –the rest of it belongs to the present graduates – those completing their secondary school’s education this year. They would have purchased or had made for them a glamorous outfit for the ball, taking place one evening around the 24th of May. Prior to this, on the same day family and friends would be gathered at a restaurant to see the graduate off – they would bring multitude of presents and bunches of flowers, which would be handed to him or her. After many photographs and good wishes the family would drive the graduate to the meeting place, from where the class will depart in cars or busses to the restaurant/hotel/venue, where the ball will take place. The rest of the guests will then start to eat and drink the health of the young person.
A graduate from my family
Balls, which came to Bulgaria from the American tradition, take place in the UK too, and students could have one, when they graduate secondary school at the age of 16, then another one, after graduating Sixth Form College. The final one would be when they complete their university course. However, not everyone turns up to those and parental friends and relatives are not at all engaged in the event. One problem is that students in the Sixth Form College often work, in order to buy and car and manage to pay the very high car insurance, typical for their age. Some of them, who come from poorer families and do not expect support from their parents, feel that they could not meet the expense of buying an outfit and paying for the restaurant bill. Those, who have parental help, are quite happy to come to the ball! It usually takes place after the end-of-year (A/S) exams have gone.
So, the 24th 
of May, is the day to celebrate your education, say “thank you” to your teachers, enjoy the company of your peers – for the last time or for many years to come. All theatres, operas, bookshops, libraries, musical orchestras, writers, actors, journalists, TV people –anyone, relating to culture would celebrate on this day. People are very happy to carry flags, the streets are full and ice-cream sellers, florists, and restaurateurs have a very busy day.
Today is another day – we have to vote for the European elections! Choose carefully – the future of the country depends on it!