September 8 - public holiday of the town of Haskovo

The town of Haskovo is located in Southern Bulgaria, 80 km south-east of Plovdiv. Haskovo has a key position among the settlements in the region, as the fastest and most direct highway connecting Europe with Asia and the Near East crosses the town. Haskovo is a crossroad of four important motorways. The town has a history of over 1000 years. In the center of it a tower-clock was built at the end of the 20th century on the occasion of the 1000th anniversary of the town's foundation. Haskovo has been developing as an important industrial center of Southern Bulgaria, particularly as a high quality tobacco maker. The favorable climate and the beautiful and virgin nature create opportunities for developing Haskovo as a tourist center. The town, which is also known for its unique mixture of Bulgarian, Pomak a and Turkish traditions, celebrates its public holiday on September 8 when the Orthodox Church commemorates the Nativity of Holy Virgin Mary. This is one of the three most important holidays in honour of the Most Holy Lady. The holiday is mainly celebrated by women, as the Ever-Virgin Mary is a patron of mothers and family. The citizens of Haskovo have built a 32-meter statue of the Holy Mary, as a token of their worship.