May 6 is one of Bulgaria’s most beloved and vibrant holidays. Known as St. George’s Day (Gergyovden) and the Day of the Bulgarian Army, this public holiday beautifully blends religious tradition with patriotic pride. Across the country, you’ll find a variety of events that pay tribute to Bulgaria’s military history, celebrate its heroes, and bring people together for lively festivities.
As a country with a long and complex military past, including two World Wars and many regional conflicts, Bulgaria has a rich story to tell. On this day, you can dive into that history through parades, museum exhibitions, and even by stepping into real helicopters and tanks. Whether you’re in the capital or exploring another Bulgarian city, you’re sure to encounter something memorable.
Saint George is revered in the Eastern Orthodox Church as a symbol of bravery and protection. In Bulgaria, his feast day has also become the official holiday of the Bulgarian Armed Forces. Learn here more about the powerful combination that celebrates both spiritual strength and national defense.
What’s Happening on May 6, 2025
This year, May 6 falls on a Tuesday, and it’s an official public holiday. The forecast promises sunny weather and mild temperatures, so it’s a great time to be out and about. Here’s how you can join the celebration in different Bulgarian cities:
Sofia: Military Pride and Historic Machines
Monday, May 5
21:00 The festivities begin with a ceremonial fireworks display in honor of the Day of Bravery. The fireworks will be visible in the city center, usually you can get a nice view on the pedestrian bridge near the National Palace of Culture (NDK) and the Hilton Hotel.
Tuesday, May 6
09:00 Head to Alexander Nevsky Square to witness the blessing of the battle flags in front of the Monument of the Unknown Soldier. The event includes a performance by the Representative Guard Brass Band and a solemn wreath-laying ceremony.
10:00 Right after, the military parade kicks off, moving from Alexander Nevsky Square down Rakovski Street and along the iconic yellow cobblestones toward the Presidential Palace. This year, expect over 700 military personnel, eight ceremonial formations from the National Guard and various branches of the military, and an air show featuring a Mi-17 helicopter with the national flag and two Cougar helicopters. During the national anthem, 20 artillery salutes will be fired. The machines are expected to fly around 10:30-11:00. If you are visiting with small children, get them prepared that it might be noisy (It will be!)
12:00 – Watch the changing of the guard in front of the Presidency.
All-day: National Museum of Military History, free entry for everyone
This is one of the must does if you are in Sofia on this day. On this day only, visitors can enter the cockpits of some of the museum’s most iconic exhibits in the outdoor display. This year, visitors will be able to go inside Mi-2 and Mi-8 helicopters and the 2K 52 FROG “Luna-M” missile system. At 12:00 The museum will once again host its traditional tasting of bean soup prepared by a military chef and showcase a modern Bulgarian Army field kitchen. From 14:30, the Brass Band of the Land Forces will perform live to lift your spirits.
The museum is about a 20 minute walk from downtown Sofia. Local tip: If you’re driving a rental car, consider parking at Serdika Mall nearby—parking around the museum is tough due to ongoing metro construction and street closures. Alternatively, you can use a taxi or the public transport.
By Public transport you can reach the National Museum of Military History:
Buses: 9, 72 (stop: Cherkovna Street), 120, 305, 413 (stop: Romanian Embassy)
Tram: 20 (stop: Oborishte Street)
See more: militarymuseum.bg
Ruse: A Double Celebration
In Ruse, May 6 also marks the city’s official holiday, so the program is packed with fun for all ages. The festivities will start in the morning and will last until dark. They will include art and sports activities, concerts and more!
09:00 Festive liturgy at St. George Church
11:00 – 17:00 Games, sports, magic show for kids, and robotics demonstrations in front of the Courthouse
16:00 – 18:00 Art workshop at the Ruse Art Gallery
17:00 Exciting sports demonstrations on the Ruse Danube river quay
18:00 Local bands concert at the Youth park skatepark, you can enjoy the sound of “Chimera” and “Melon Heads”
20:00 Evening concert in front of the Municipality building featuring Ruse Big Band joined by popular Bulgarian stars, and a laser show.
Check the full list of events on the official website: https://visitruse.info/article/1151
Plovdiv & Krumovo: Aviation Adventure
Just outside Plovdiv, the Aviation Museum in Krumovo is celebrating with free entry and family-friendly events.
09:30–17:00 – The Aviation Museum in Krumovo will celebrate the Day of Bravery and the Bulgarian Army with free admission, a free museum tour, and kids’ activities.
At 11:00, you can join a themed tour will focus on the Order of Bravery and some of its recipients who dedicated their lives to aviation.
Children can enjoy games like “Pilot – Explorer,” where they’ll learn about aircraft and helicopter construction, and “Mission Mars,” featuring fascinating facts about the Red Planet.
Getting there:
You can reach the Aviation Museum by car or train.
Trains from Plovdiv run hourly and reach Mavrudovo Station in about 15 minutes.
https://airmuseum-bg.com
Varna: Naval Pride by the Sea
The city of Varna is quite linked to the Bulgarian army, here is located the leading university preparing students for the Navy forces.
10:30 – Military ceremony at St. Cyril and Methodius Square, followed by a parade led by the Navy’s Brass Band
Usuallu both the Naval Museum and Vladislav Varnenchik Park Museum are open with free admission on May 6, and 2025 is no exception. Both museums have nice exhibitions, you can check the websites and decide where to start on museummaritime-bg.com and varnenchikmuseum.com
Burgas: Honoring Coastal Heroes
Burgas will join the celebrations in 2025 with rituals and free entry to museums.
11:30 Military ritual in front of the Gallery of the Union of Artist
It will be followed by a march to the Military Club and wreath-laying at the 24th Black Sea Infantry Regiment Monument
On May 6, the Burgas Aviation Museum near the airport will be open from 09:00 to 17:00 with free entry to its 10 aircraft exhibits.
More: avioburgas.bg