Podcast in English

Babinden or Midwives' Day: When tradition connects us to the roots of life

Today is Babinden (Midwives' Day) - one of the most beloved and authentic Bulgarian holidays deeply rooted in local folk tradition . Celebrated on 8 January in the new style calendar and January 21 in the old style, it is dedicated to the women who used..

published on 1/8/25 6:05 AM

On Ivanovden, residents of Alvanovo reenact the custom "Bathing the Sons-in-Law"

On Ivanovden, the village of Alvanovo (Northeastern Bulgaria) observes the custom called "Bathing the Sons-in-Law". The ritual is performed for health and prosperity of young couples who got married in the past year, reported BTA, referring to Valya..

published on 1/7/25 2:31 PM

Surva Mummers' Festival is visiting Sofia on January 5

The Borisova Garden in the heart of Sofia will once again become the stage for the Surva mummers' festival traditionally held in the town of Pernik. For the third consecutive year, Sofia residents and guests of the capital will be able to enjoy the..

published on 1/4/25 5:35 AM

The custom "Pole, pole" intertwines the Christian and pagan beliefs of Bessarabian Bulgarians

Moving to Bessarabia more than two centuries ago, some Bulgarians brought with them part of their rich rituals. In their new homeland, some customs became modified under the influence of local traditions, others disappeared, and still others have been..

published on 1/1/25 5:50 AM

The good fortune of the New Year and how it can be found inside bread, walnuts or onion skins

The first day of January is a day filled with emotions and joyful anticipation of a prosperous year in which all family members will be healthy and will make all their dreams come true. In the traditional Bulgarian calendar, 1 January is known as..

published on 12/31/24 6:05 PM

Here comes "Starchevata" - Chaushi take over Bulgaria's Razlog ‎

On the first day of the incoming 2025, the small town of Razlog in the Pirin Mountain will wake up to the sound of bells, zurnas and drums . Traditionally, the colorful Kukeri festival "Starchevata" will begin at 11:00 a.m. on the central square..

published on 12/31/24 11:47 AM
Daniel Spasov

The forgotten meaning of caroling traditions revealed by singer Daniel Spasov

Every holiday has its own flavour, its own 'clothes' and its own tunes. Christmas is no different. "Little is known about traditional Bulgarian carols and their purpose, little is said, and even the wrong things are said. But the most important thing is..

published on 12/26/24 8:15 AM

The magic of Christmas – from the ancient blessings of carolers to the appearance of Santa Claus in our lands

On Christmas morning the glad tidings have spread that the Son of God was born, making it a special day celebrated with a lot of festive rituals. After Christmas Eve, when families get together for a festive meal, comes Christmas. On 25 December the..

published on 12/25/24 9:00 AM

"Come down, Dzherman, and dine!" – the lost magic of Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve, once called Budnik, Little Christmas or Neyadka, was considered part of a dark, frightening period, charged with the potential to influence the entire upcoming year. For this reason, the night before Christmas was associated with..

published on 12/24/24 5:30 AM

St Ignatius' Day - awaiting the Young God and the Sun reborn

It's Ignazhden! On St Ignatius' Day, 20 December, we honour the memory of St Ignatius the Theophorus. In the Bulgarian calendar St Ignatius' Day (Ignazhden) is not only a religious but also a folklore holiday. According to national tradition, it is..

published on 12/20/24 6:30 AM