Vasil Levski

Bulgaria is marking 144 years since Vasil Levski, the most respected national hero and freedom fighter, was hanged.

Levski was a historic figure of tremendous importance for the freedom movement in Bulgaria in the late 19th century, while the country was still a part of the Ottoman Empire.

Bulgaria has yet to achieve the goals set by revutionaries who fought for its freedom, President Rosen Plevneliev said on Easter Monday.

The President delivered a speech while in the town of Koprivshtitsa to attend the ongoing ceremonies dedicated to the the 140th anniversary since the April Uprising began in 1876.

The Parliament and Presidency building in Bulgaria's capital Sofia will be open to the public between 10:00 and 16:00 local time on Saturday.

Bulgaria is marking on Friday the 143rdanniversary of the hanging of its national hero Vasil Levski.

Levski will be commemorated with numerous events in his hometown Karlovo, the capital Sofia and across the country.

Demonstrations have taken place in several towns and cities across Bulgaria after reports emerged that the Education Ministry is planning to revise key sections of the school curriculum referring to the years of Ottoman rule.

The Balkan Christmas festival Sofia Mezi will take place in the centre of the Bulgarian capital between December 17 and 23.

The festival will be held in the space between the Vasil Levski National Stadium and the underground station bearing the same name.

Two of the greatest football players in Romanian history - Gheorghe Hagi and Gheorghe Popescu confirmed their participation at the 50th birthday show organised by Bulgarian legend Hristo Stoichkov next year.

Stoichkov played with both Hagi and Popescu during his spell at FC Barcelona.

Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona will visit Bulgaria next year to participate in the show celebrating the 50th birthday of one of the greatest Bulgarian footballers Hristo Stoichkov.

Stoichkov, who is the only Bulgarian to have been awarded the Ballon d'Or, is preparing a spectacular show for his birthday, the Bulgarian National Television informs.

Opening its doors to all citizens and guests of Sofia on Thursday, September 10, Square 500 is keeping to its promise that entrance will be free on the second Thursday of every month.

Bulgaria's newest national gallery, however, is now adding other cultural sites (apart from its central building next to the Vasil Levski monument) to its free-admissions day.

The Bulgarian men's national football team will face Norway in a decisive qualifier for the UEFA EURO 2016 on Thursday evening.

At present, Bulgaria occupies the fourth place in qualification Group H with eight points, being two points behind the team of Norway, which is third.