Enyovden (Midsummer's Day) is one of the most beloved holidays in the folk calendar of Bulgarians, which has deep roots in our traditions, thinking, and beliefs. It has a fixed date - always it is marked on June 24. It is also called St. John of the Summer, because on the same date the Orthodox Church honours the birth of St. John the Baptist.
According to popular belief, on Midsummer's Day the path of the sun from winter to summer ends and it takes the opposite course - from summer to winter. And on the night before the holiday the skies open, the stars descend to the earth and enchant grasses and flowers, giving them a healing power. The waters are also granted , because the sun bathes for the last time before it sets. That is why even today, in the early morning of Midsummer's Day, people ritually bathe in rivers and lakes.
The holiday was once accompanied by special songs for every moment of the practiced rituals and ceremonies - from gathering herbs in the early morning, to the singing of folk songs and the cheerful youth jokes at dusk.
More about them in Radio Bulgaria’s Editor’s picks.
Halva, this sweet temptation with an oriental twist, is a welcome delicacy on the Bulgarian table, especially on holidays. Judging by the descriptions of Western travellers, halva was a common dessert in Bulgarian lands as early as the 16th century. The..
The Youth Centre "Zahari Stoyanov" in the town of Dobrich, Northeastern Bulgaria, is organizing a folklore meeting of communities on the occasion of the International Day of Tolerance. The aim of the event, which will take place from today to 17..
The Bulgarian folklore dance group Vito Horo from Perth will take part in the multicultural women’s festival Harmony of Colours, taking place tonight in the Australian city, the Bulgarian association Rodina has announced. Besides the Bulgarian..
Halva, this sweet temptation with an oriental twist, is a welcome delicacy on the Bulgarian table, especially on holidays. Judging by the descriptions of..
+359 2 9336 661