Festivals & Holidays in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is no exception; a nation steeped in culture and history will always have festivals to match. Bulgaria’s unique customs have been handed down through generations, and it commemorates them in a variety of ways.

Christmas, without a doubt, is the #1 on the list of Bulgarians’ favorite holidays. Bulgarian households traditionally prepare a piglet the night before the celebration, while the remainder of the meals should be lean. It is critical to have an odd number of dishes on the table. Christmas celebrations begin immediately after the clock strikes midnight; this is when the Christmas songs begin. Children, joined by adults, visit their neighbors and perform songs wishing everyone who opens the door happiness. They pat cornelian branches with linked bells and cash for good luck in exchange for sweets. Additionally, in Bulgaria, proprietors of different cafés provide complimentary delicacies; braziers are put up on the streets and meat is cooked, as well as wine.

Bulgaria commemorates Trifon’s Day on February 14, a day of wine and revelry. Trifon was called a priest and was murdered in Nicaea in 250 for his religion. According to folklore, on the day of the priest’s execution, all the grape fields were invaded by insects, and their owners approached the saint for assistance in eradicating the invasion. Following that, the insects vanished, leaving the grapes unharmed. The holiday is observed not only by vineyard owners, but also by wine store managers, gardeners, and all those who appreciate a delicious beverage. On this day, it is traditional to trim a vine in preparation for a bountiful harvest, thus the holiday’s other name, Trifon the Cropped.

Bulgarian tradition dictates that spring should be welcomed with gusto and zeal. It is usual to manufacture unique presents on this day – martenitsa, pupae formed from red and white woolen threads. They are presented to entertain the cranky Baba Martha, who in Bulgarian mythology is a grandmother whose moods change often. Residents attempt to please fickle Baba Martha, whose attitude is strongly tied to the weather in March. If she smiles, the weather will almost surely turn bright and warm; if you irritate her, anticipate chilly wind and maybe wet snow. A martenitsa doll is hung on a blossoming apple, cherry, or plum the next year for good luck.

Tsar Constantine and his mother Queen Elena are two of the most honored Bulgarian saints. It is usual in Bulgaria to begin this day by visiting holy locations and healing springs. According to common belief, all spring water turns therapeutic on this day. Additionally, this day is connected with the start of summer, and traditional celebrations are held, including the lighting of bonfires and the cooking of lamb meat. Walking on embers is one of the most thrilling performances. The Christmas preparations begin months in advance: they gather funds for making lamb delights, which are then delivered to all solicitors. The remainder of the funds are used to restore temples or spring springs, as the case may be.

On November 1, the Day of the National Awakening is commemorated in honor of individuals who were able to rekindle the people’s spirit throughout the Ottoman era. National awakening forces battled for their traditions and cultural values, refusing to allow the country’s sovereignty to be violated. They were simply professors and confessors, yet they were essential in the development of science and modern literature in the nation. In 1860, church campaigners secured recognition for the Bulgarian Hexarchy. The event brings together the spirit of all Bulgarians and is recognized as a national holiday in schools and institutions. Bulgarians place flowers on national leaders’ monuments, and amateur collectives operate in their organized reading rooms.

The day of Slavonic writing is one of the most joyous events in Bulgarian culture. It is seen on May 24th and is pretty unique. There are festive processions of university and school professors, their pupils, scientists, and all lawyers. They conclude with the placement of flowers on Cyril and Methodius’s monuments located around the nation. Simultaneously, various cultural events are organized each year, including as the „Art Salon“ in Sofia and open-air poetry readings. Amateur artist circles show their work, as do book fairs and exhibits devoted to the Cyril and Methodius case and literature.