The Day of Courage and the Bulgarian Army or St. George's Day ( Bulgarian. Gergyovden, Den for Bravery and the Bulgarian Army ) is the official national Bulgarian holiday - the day of the Bulgarian Army. Celebrated annually on May 6 . Named in honor of St. George the Victorious .
Historically, the holiday was religious (according to Bulgarian Orthodox beliefs, St. George patronized the shepherds).
In its new quality, the holiday was officially established on January 9, 1880 by decree No. 5 of Prince Alexander I Battenberg . A few days earlier, by decree No. 1, a military order “For Courage” was also established, which awarded those who distinguished themselves on the battlefield.
From 1946 to 1993, the holiday, as a religious one and not comparable with the communist regime, was not officially celebrated. On January 27, 1993, the decree of the Council of Ministers of Bulgaria restored the holiday.
Currently, the holiday is solemnly celebrated, including the holding of a military parade in Sofia .