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

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.

The event brought together members of the Bulgarian community, representatives of local authorities, and friends of Bulgaria. The Bulgarian tricolor was solemnly presented by members of the Bulgarian-American Police Association, and the Bulgarian national anthem “Mila Rodino” was performed by Julia Aragon, an American of Bulgarian descent.

Greetings were delivered by the Consul General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Chicago Svetoslav Stankov, Dr. Iliyana Dimitrova, lecturer in Bulgarian language and culture at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Maria Pappas, Treasurer of Cook County.

In his remarks, Consul General Stankov highlighted the significance of the national holiday for Bulgarians around the world and the important role of Bulgarian communities abroad.

“March 3 gave us a state. Today our duty is to give it a future—through knowledge, solidarity, and care for the Bulgarian language and culture that we pass on to the next generations,” he stated.

The Consul General also noted that the Bulgarian community in Chicago is an example of a vibrant and united diaspora that preserves Bulgarian traditions while actively contributing to the civic life of the United States.

“Bulgaria exists wherever there is Bulgarian self-awareness. Here in Chicago, we do not simply preserve the tradition—we continue it,” Stankov emphasized.

Following the ceremony, a special event was held at the Office of the Cook County Treasurer, where Maria Pappas honored Bulgarian teachers and community leaders for their contributions to preserving the Bulgarian language, culture, and traditions within the community. Distinguished representatives of Bulgarian schools and cultural organizations were presented with Certificates of Excellence.

The celebration of Bulgaria’s National Day in Chicago is part of a long-standing tradition that annually brings together the Bulgarian community, local institutions, and friends of Bulgaria to honor historical memory and highlight the contribution of Bulgarians to the social and cultural life of the city.