The beginning of the initiative is associated with the World Conference in Geneva in 1925, dedicated to the welfare of children. A declaration of the rights of the child was adopted there, according to which adults must provide conditions that promote the well-being of all children – regardless of their nationality, religion or origin. The document lays the foundation for the idea that every child has the right to protection, care and opportunity for full development.
The philosophy of the holiday is based on the understanding that a child cannot bear full responsibility for his own life and therefore needs protection, guidance and support from adults. They have the task not only to educate, but also to create conditions for the physical, emotional and intellectual development of the child, so that he grows up as a full-fledged person.
Over time, the idea of an international children’s day spread to different countries. In Bulgaria, the holiday began to be celebrated as early as 1927, initially on May 8, under the patronage of Princess Evdokia, and later under the patronage of the wife of Tsar Boris III. Gradually, June 1 is confirmed as the main date for celebration in our country.
After World War II, Children’s Day gained even wider international significance. In 1954, the United Nations and UNESCO declared November 20 as International Children’s Day to highlight the global importance of children’s rights. However, different countries retain their traditions and dates, and in many countries, including Bulgaria, June 1 remains the most recognizable and beloved holiday dedicated to children.
Today, Children’s Day is perceived both as a holiday and as a social commitment – a day that reminds that every child has the right to security, education, care, love and the opportunity to dream, and the task of society is to guarantee these rights not only formally, but in reality.
Where to take the little ones on June 1st
In Sofia and in various settlements in the country, Children’s Day will be celebrated with a variety of holiday programs, concerts and initiatives aimed at the little ones.
The Metropolitan Zoo invites children, parents and guests of the city to celebrate June 1 with a weekend full of educational activities and a special holiday initiative – free admission for all children and youth up to 18 years old on the holiday itself. The idea is to give the youngest visitors the opportunity to spend a day among nature and animals, freely exploring all sectors of the zoo. For adult visitors, admission will be at standard rates.
A special holiday surprise has also been prepared by the Metropolitan Inspectorate, which will organize a meeting with the children of the 122nd Kindergarten “Sineva” in the capital’s “Lyulin” district. The little ones will have the opportunity to take a close look at a garbage truck, a street sweeper and a tanker truck – the equipment that takes care of the city’s cleanliness every day. In this way, children will learn more about the work of municipal services and the maintenance of the urban environment in an accessible and fun way.
The holiday program also includes an Open Day at the specialized wagon depot “Remiz” in Sofia, which will be held between 10:00 and 15:00. Visitors will be able to view historic railway exhibits, including carriages from Tsar Boris III’s royal train, the Corona Express, and from the government’s Vitosha Express train. BDZ teams will tell more about the history of these compositions and the place where they are stored.
On the occasion of June 1, BDZ also reminds that traditionally all children up to the age of 14 travel for free on the regular trains in the country, and it is only necessary to present an age document. Additional services such as reserved seats, sleeping cars and first class are paid according to the current tariff.
In many other cities in the country, rich programs of festive events dedicated to children are also planned – concerts, games, creative workshops and lots of outdoor entertainment.
In Radomir, the festive day will begin with a meeting with the favorite children’s characters Margaritka, Bibi, Mimi and Buhalcho in the City Park, where there will also be a special 360-degree photo and video zone. Later, the Municipal History Museum will open the “Four Seasons” exhibition, featuring children’s drawings, and the official part will be held in the museum’s multifunctional hall.
In Sliven, the celebration will last two days with telescope observations from the “Dr. Petar Beron” Astronomical Observatory, soap bubbles, face painting and children’s happenings. The climax will be the performance “Be My Friend!” in the Puppet Theater, and there will also be inflatable attractions on the square.
Stara Zagora offers the third edition of “Children’s Playland… With love for Bulgaria!”, which combines games, sports and a charitable cause. The program includes folk games, combat demonstrations, DJ music, a photo booth and areas for creativity, and separately the municipality organizes the initiative “Be a child today!”.
In Shumen, the City Garden will become a large area for games and creativity with theatrical costumes, archery, chess and art studios. The festive program also includes a free performance of “Carlson” in the drama-puppet theater.
Rousse will give children the opportunity to meet firefighters up close, who will demonstrate rescue equipment, a fire engine and water games in the Youth Park.
In Razgrad, the “Colored Carousel” festival will bring together concerts, theater, influencers and children’s performances, including a meeting with Kriskata and a concert by Alexander Kolev.
Plovdiv will offer a rich program in the Old Town and around the Hristo Botev Stadium – from mosaics and theater to football games and a big concert at the Roman Stadium, followed by a friendly match between Bulgaria and Montenegro.
In Yambol, the festive day will include concerts by children from kindergartens, art workshops, a foam party and entertainers, and numerous local initiatives and games are also planned in the settlements of Tunja municipality.
Svishtov will host a football tournament for children’s teams from all over the country, and Asenovgrad invites the little visitors to a party with Stitch, games and an evening concert.
In Radnevo, the “Rainbow of Dreams” holiday will combine music, dance and an interactive performance, while in Gabrovo the program includes theater, sports games, creative workshops and a concert by the “Gabrovche” ensemble.
In Petrich, the celebration will begin with a fairy-tale parade and a magic show, and in Lovech, the square will turn into a literary and creative scene with readings of fairy tales, workshops and the “Longest Drawing” initiative.
