Remembrance Day 2026 observed in Bulgaria’s capital Sofia
November 11, Remembrance Day, was observed in Bulgaria’s capital city Sofia with commemorations at the British and Commonwealth, German, Italian and French war graves.
This year, in addition to the traditional observances, speeches and prayers also honoured Bulgaria’s national day of mourning for the victims of the November 10 chain crashes on Trakia Motorway.
Remembrance Day commemorates and honours the dead in the wars of the 20th century. The November 11 date arises from the anniversary of the Armistice at the close of the First World War.
As is traditional, proceedings began at the Commonwealth War Graves section, with an address by British ambassador Nathaniel Copsey, a service led by Father Patrick Irwin, and with poetry reading by Irish ambassador Catherine Bannon and by William Gladstone school pupils Anna Filipova, Evelin Vassileva and Yana Borissova.
Floral tributes were laid by ambassadors and diplomatic representatives of several countries, Bulgaria’s defence and foreign ministries, Nato and military veterans from Britain and South Africa.
