The Old New Year or the Orthodox New Year is marked on January 13, because of the differences between the Gregorian and the Julian calendar. The day marks the start of the New Year by the Julian calendar. Orthodox Communities that refuse to accept the new style calendar celebrate the Old New Year on the night of January 14. According to the believers who follow the old style calendar, this date (Old New Year) does not break the Nativity Fast. This is also the time when mummers festivals,(masquerade games aimed at banishing evil forces) take place across the country.

Between January 13 and 15 the Bulgarian Roma celebrate their new year. The day, known as Vasilyovden or Bango Vasil, is associated with several Roma legends. One of the legends has it that Bango Vasil is an advocate and defender of the Roma.

On January 13 all family members gather for a festive meal. The festive table includes banitsa (cheese pie), baklava (layered pastry desert made of filo, walnuts and sugar syrup), sarmi (stuffed cabbage rolls), poultry with rice or sour cabbage, etc.