Fun and festivities in Bulgaria - celebrations, festivals and cultural events

The first in the list of favorite holidays of the Bulgarians with certainty can be designated Christmas. On the night before the holiday, it is customary for Bulgarian families to cook a piglet at the Christmas table, while the rest of the meals should be lean. It is important that the table have an odd number of dishes. The celebration of Christmas begins right after the clock strikes midnight, at this time begins the Christmas carols. Children accompanied by adults, go to their neighbors and sing songs in which they wish happiness to everyone who opens the door. They pat branches of cornelian with tied bells and coins for good luck and in return receive sweets. In addition, in Bulgaria, the owners of various cafes give free treats; braziers are set up on the streets and meat is prepared, likewise wine is also poured.

On February 14, Bulgaria celebrates Trifon’s Day, the celebration of wine and fun. Trifon was labeled a priest, who was executed for his faith in the year 250 in Nicaea. According to the legends, on the day of the execution of the priest, all the grape fields were attacked by insects, and the owners turned to the saint with a request to get rid of the invasion. After that, the insects disappeared, leaving the vineyards untouched. The holiday is honored not only by the owners of the vineyards, but also by the managers of wine shops, gardeners and all admirers of a fine drink. On this day, it is customary to prune a vine for a rich harvest, hence the second name of the holiday - the day of Trifon the Cropped.

Traditions of the Bulgarians prescribe greeting the spring by all means fun and in a big way. On this day it is customary to make special gifts - martenitsa, pupae made from woolen red and white threads. They are given to amuse the grumpy Baba Martha, who in the folklore of the Bulgarians is a grandmother with a rapidly changing mood. Her mood is directly related to the weather in March, and residents try to appease capricious Baba Martha. If she smiles, then the weather will certainly become sunny and warm, if you piss her off, you can expect the cold wind and even wet snow. For luck the following year, a martenitsa doll is hung on a blooming apple, cherry or plum. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

One of the most revered Bulgarians saints is Tsar Constantine and his mother Queen Elena. In Bulgaria, it is customary to start this day with visiting holy places and healing springs. According to popular belief, on this day all spring water becomes healing. Also, this day is associated with the arrival of summer and traditional festivities with the kindling of bonfires and the preparation of lamb meat are arranged. One of the most exciting performances is walking on coals. Preparation for the holiday starts in advance: they collect money for cooking treats from lamb, which after cooking, are distributed to all solicitors. The remaining money goes to repairing the temples or spring springs, if there is such a need.

The Day of the National awakening is celebrated on November 1 in honor of those who were able to revive the people's spirit during the hard times of the Ottoman rule. The national awakeners fought for their traditions and cultural values, and did not allow violation of the sovereignty of the country. They were simple teachers and confessors, thanks to whom the country began to develop in science and modern literature. Church activists in 1860 achieved recognition of the Bulgarian Hexarchy. The holiday unites the spirit of all the inhabitants of Bulgaria and is recognized as a national day off in schools and universities. Bulgarians lay flowers on the monuments of the national leaders, and in their organized reading rooms are amateur collectives.

One of the brightest holidays in Bulgarian culture is the day of Slavonic writing. It is celebrated on May 24 and is quite original. Festive processions of teachers of universities and schools, their students, scientists and all solicitors, are held. They end with the laying of flowers on the monuments of Cyril and Methodius in all corners of the country. At the same time, several cultural events are prepared every year, such as the "Art Salon", held in Sofia, poet’s readings in the open air. Circles of amateur artists present their works, book fairs and exhibitions dedicated to the Cyril and Methodius case and books.