St. Anthony was born in Egypt around 251 AD and died at the age of 105 on 17 January, celebrated as his patron saint’s day.
St. Anthony is considered to be the first monk to have lived a life in complete solitude, far from any earthly temptation and sin. He helped people with spiritual guidance and also with his gift as a healer. St. Anthony left behind dozens of followers and disciples.
In popular tradition, 17 January is called Antonovden (St. Anthony’s day), celebrated by all people named Anton, Antonia, Andon, Antoaneta and also Doncho, Donka and their derivatives. In Bulgarian tradition, the rituals on this day are connected with the belief that the saint, together with his twin brother (St. Athanasius, celebrated on 18 January) has the gift of curing disease.
Find out more HERE.
Compiled by Albena Bezovska
On this day - 17 January - we celebrate the 105th birth anniversary of the legendary piper Dafo Trendafilov . He was born in 1919 in the village of Gela in the Rhodope Mountains and his whole life remains forever linked to this mystical land. He began..
Bulgarian violinist Albena Danailova is the first assistant to concertmaster Rainer Honeck in the New Year's concert of the Vienna Philharmonic on January 1, 2024. Conductor will be Christian Thielemann . Albena..
The night before Christ's Nativity in Bulgarian folklore culture is known by several names. Of course, most often we call it Christmas Eve, and the main meaning of the traditions and rituals of the holiday is well-known - it is a holiday of humility,..
Cloudy
Overcast, rain