Maria Staykova turned the Day of the National Enlightenment Leaders into a special holiday for the Bulgarian community in Canberra. With an original, intelligent and innovative presentation of historical events and the legendary heroes, our compatriot evoked new feelings of patriotism and admiration for our past.

Maria Staykova presented an interesting analysis of the historical period known to us as the “Time of the National Enlightenment Leaders”, highlighting the contribution of Bulgarians in the last century to the development of worldwide science and art today. The photographs which illustrated her in-depth speech, corresponded to the paintings she had placed accordingly around the building.

The guests enjoyed the drawings, kindly presented to us by Maria Dostinova, director of the Bulgarian school in Adelaide, and created by her curious and talented pupils.