February 28 brings together an early step in Bulgarian military aviation and a cultural milestone in Sofia’s theatre life.
February 28, 1906 — An Aviation Department Is Created for the Bulgarian Army
On February 28, 1906, an Aviation Department was created for the Bulgarian Army, marking an early institutional step toward military aviation in Bulgaria. At the time, flight itself was still a young and rapidly developing field. European armies were beginning to understand the value of balloons, aircraft, observation, and aerial technology, and Bulgaria followed these changes with interest.
The creation of an aviation structure did not instantly produce a modern air force, but it showed that Bulgarian military planners were looking beyond traditional land forces. In the years that followed, aviation would become increasingly important for reconnaissance, communication, and national defense — this date belonging to the broader story of how Bulgaria entered the age of the air.
February 28, 1967 — Salza i Smyah New Drama Theatre Is Inaugurated
On February 28, 1967, the Salza i Smyah New Drama Theatre was inaugurated in Sofia. Its name, often translated as “Tear and Laughter,” carries the old theatrical contrast between tragedy and comedy, but the institution also became part of Bulgaria’s modern stage culture. The theatre helped give Sofia audiences another permanent home for drama, actors, directors, and contemporary productions.
During the socialist period, theatres were important cultural spaces — places of official art, but also of craft, interpretation, and sometimes carefully coded social commentary. The opening of Salza i Smyah added to a rich theatrical map that already included older national and municipal stages.
Continue with February 27 and February 29. Discover Bulgaria through Bulgaria From Above or our travel guides.
