Article prepared by: Snejana Iovtcheva
Technical layout by: Didi Hatcher
On November 1st, Bulgarians universally pay respect to the work of Bulgarian educators, writers and revolutionaries. These individuals are the founders of our history who contributed to the awakening and spiritual enlightenment of the Bulgarian people, national awareness, and the struggle for political independence and an independent culture. Their life stories serve as examples, inspire, ignite and lead.
On this day, we also pay tribute to the patriotic teachers, helpers and like-minded individuals from our Bulgarian community around Boston. These are the people who carry a flame in their hearts and support the mission of maintaining and spreading the Bulgarian language, culture and folk values.
To celebrate the national holiday, students from both branches of our Saturday school prepared feverishly during the month of October with a variety of group and individual projects, songs and lessons on this topic. Inspired by lessons about the meaning of freedom, having one’s language and culture, the students enthusiastically demonstrated what they had learned.
First graders with Mrs. Irene Hristov introduced the audience at the Boston branch to the song "Zlatni bukvi" (‘Golden Letters’) with lyrics by Angelina Zhekova and music by Krasimir Miletkov.
Second graders with their teacher Mrs. Snejana Iovtcheva presented a play in which each student transformed into a national hero. Dressed in costumes, they portrayed historical revivalists on stage and talked about their lives and deeds.
The fourth graders with their teacher Mrs. Zdravka Nikolova performed the song "Den na Buditelite" (‘Awakener’s Day’) based on the lyrics of Angelina Zhekova and reminded us why we have gathered on this day.
Preparatory class students with teacher Mrs. Violeta Regina, performed the song "Kade e Balgaria” (‘Where is Bulgaria’) by Ivan Vazov and invited everyone who knew the song to join them on stage.
Middle and high school students continued with presentations on the topics "Why I love Bulgaria - a favorite place", "Old Bulgarian capitals" and "Yordan Yovkov's stories". Children from different classes shared memories of favorite places in Bulgaria, selected important and interesting facts, from which we all learned a lot. Towards the end of the numerous presentations, conversations continued more informal, with everyone eager to share and continue the lively discussions even after the break.
In our Cape Cod branch, students of all ages discussed the life and works of Hristo Botev, Vasil Levski and Ivan Vazov. Second grade students with teacher Mrs. Teodora Torres sang the famous song "Kade si vyarna ti lyubov narodna” (‘Where are you, true love of the people’) with lyrics and music by Dobri Chintulov.
