Holidays

The change from the end of 1989 have reflected on the Bulgarian
customs. It refers to change processes which have not
completed yet. Since then a lot of customs connected with socialism
have been forgotten and others, Christian, have been revived.

New Year’s morning - Survakane: little children tap their parents‘back with decorated cornel twigs.

Christmas Eve: traditionally seven vegetarian dishes are served on the table, symbolizing people`s hope
that next year will be as rich as the previous. Very important is a small loaf of bread with a coin in it.
The person who takes the coin will have great luck next year.

Easter: it is famous for the eggs, painted in various colors and is beloved by children. Everybody has an
Easter egg and there is a "fight" with them. It is believed that the owner of the not broken egg will be healthy all the year.

Yordanovden: on January 6 a man throws a wooden cross into the frozen waters of a river.
Men must take it out.

Ivanovden: it is celebrated on January 7. That day newly-married couples visit their best men and
bring them wine, rakia, roasted duck and banitsa.

14 February: a feast of vine-growers and wine. Then everybody starts cutting the vineyard.

1 March: it is unique with special gifts called "martenitsi" - twisted red and white crewels.

They symbolize happiness and health and originate in ancient pagan traditions.

Tsvetnitsa: that feast is dedicated to all the people bringing names of flowers: Rose, Daisy, Lilly and so on.

3 March: national holiday of Bulgaria.

6 May: Geogeovden:the main dish is a roasted lamb.

6 December: Nikulden:the main dish is a carp or another fish.