Every day in Bulgarian history holds a story worth remembering. In this recurring series, On This Day in Bulgaria, we look back at notable events, decisions, and milestones that happened on this date across the country’s history.
August 20, 1877 — Fighting Near Elena
Bulgarian militia units and Russian cavalry engaged Ottoman forces near the town of Elena in the foothills of the Balkan Mountains, maintaining Bulgarian and Russian control of the northern approaches to the Shipka Pass. The battles in the Elena area, though smaller than the great engagements at Shipka or Pleven, were part of the same campaign to hold the mountain barrier and protect the liberated northern territories.
August 20, 1968 — Bulgaria and the Prague Spring
Bulgaria sent a token military contingent as part of the Warsaw Pact intervention that crushed Czechoslovakia’s reform movement. Participation was effectively compulsory under Soviet bloc obligations, and Bulgaria’s role was minimal in military terms. Nevertheless, August 20, 1968 remains a date that successive Bulgarian governments and society have acknowledged as a historical wrong — a moment when Bulgaria was on the wrong side of history.
Explore more of Bulgaria’s story on Bronicable, including our Bulgaria From Above series and our guides to the best of Bulgaria.
