News - USA, Chicago, Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria

The Fifth Parade of Bulgaria in Chicago Once Again United the Community for May 24. The Bulgarian community in Chicago once again filled the streets of Elk Grove Village with Bulgarian flags, traditional folk costumes, and festive spirit during the Fifth Parade of Bulgaria. Dedicated to Bulgarian culture, language, and traditions, the event has established itself as one of the largest Bulgarian celebration outside the borders of Bulgaria.

The Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Chicago organized a public lecture dedicated to the 83rd anniversary of the rescue of Bulgarian Jews during the Second World War. The event was organized in partnership with the Consulate General of Israel in Chicago and the American Jewish Committee (AJC Chicago).

The Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Chicago organized a flag raising ceremony at Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria – March 3.

Indiana State Senate unanimously adopted a resolution formally recognizing the strategic partnership between the Republic of Bulgaria and the State of Indiana. The resolution was introduced by Senator Rodric Bray, President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

On October 19, the day of St. John (Ivan) of Rila the Wonderworker, the Bulgarian community in Chicago had a double reason for celebration. After a long hiatus, the activity of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church “St. Ivan Rilski,” which is now under the jurisdiction of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, was officially resumed.

From August 29 to September 1, 2025, the 104th Convention of the Macedonian Patriotic Organization (MPO) in the United States and Canada took place in Chicago. For more than a century, the MPO has been a guardian of the cultural heritage of Macedonian Bulgarians in America.

On June 14, the 47th MacGahan Festival took place in New Lexington, Ohio, honoring the life and legacy of American journalist Januarius MacGahan (1844–1878). As a correspondent for the British newspaper The Daily News, MacGahan exposed the brutal suppression of the April Uprising in Bulgaria in 1876, profoundly shifting public opinion in Britain and across Europe in favor of the Bulgarian cause for liberation.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Bulgarian Parade was held in Chicago, dedicated to May 24th – the Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Bulgarian Education and Culture. The event was organized by the Elk Grove Village City Hall and the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Chicago. Immediately following the parade, the traditional Bulgarian festival took place, organized by the Bulgarian Arts and Cultural Exchange. During the event, the Bulgarian Consul General in Chicago, Svetoslav Stankov, announced that beginning next academic year, a Bulgarian language lectureship will be established at the University of Illinois.

The Day of the Rescue of Bulgarian Jews, Holocaust Victims, and Crimes Against Humanity was commemorated in Chicago with a special ceremony at the Illinois Holocaust Museum. The event featured a discussion emphasizing the significance of the rescue of Bulgarian Jews during World War II—a remarkable act that showcased the humanity, tolerance, and commitment to justice of the Bulgarian people.

Bulgaria’s National Day—March 3rd, Liberation Day—was solemnly celebrated in Chicago and the Midwest region of the United States with numerous initiatives organized by the Consulate General in Chicago, Bulgarian Sunday schools, and cultural organizations.