Mincho Praznikov, Bulgaria’s Beloved Forecaster, Dies at 88

Mincho Praznikov, a legendary figure in Bulgarian meteorology and a familiar face on Bulgarian National Television (BNT) for decades, has died at the age of 88. The news was announced on March 19, 2026, by his colleague Ivo Andreev on Facebook.

A Career Dedicated to Forecasting

Born on February 9, 1938, in Sofia, Praznikov dedicated his life to understanding and communicating weather patterns to the Bulgarian public. He graduated with a specialty in Meteorology from the Faculty of Physics at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski.”

Praznikov began his career at the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology before joining BNT, where he became synonymous with the weather forecast. For generations of Bulgarians, he was the trusted voice delivering daily updates and insights.

Recognition and Legacy

Andreev’s Facebook post described Praznikov as “a legend of the time, an irreplaceable friend, teacher and a great person.” He added, “Thank you for everything great Buddha – rest in peace.”

Throughout his career, Mincho Praznikov received numerous awards recognizing his contributions to Bulgarian journalism and the popularization of science. His name remains a symbol of the Bulgarian television weather forecast and he will be deeply missed by colleagues and viewers alike.

Early Career and Broadcasts

Praznikov was known for his dedication, always waking early and never missing the weather forecast. He appeared in the BNT program “Zakuska” (Breakfast) with Mincho Praznikov, and was featured in “The Day Begins” on January 23, 2014, sharing his daily routine. BNT also featured him in a segment titled “Mincho Praznikov and the Weather Forecast” on July 19, 2015, within the “The Day Begins with Georgi Lyubenov” program. BNT

His legacy extends beyond simply reporting the weather; he fostered a public understanding and appreciation for the science behind it.