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Christmas Fast Begins Today in Bulgaria

The 40-day Christmas fast, also known as Little Lent, starts today and ends on Christmas Eve.

By Lovin Bulgaria Newsroom
Interior of an Orthodox church with lit candles

Illustration: AI-generated image

Today, Sunday 15 November 2026, marks the beginning of the 40-day Christmas fast. The fast will end on Christmas Eve, 24 December, and is observed by Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria as a period of spiritual preparation for the Nativity of Christ.

According to Dnevnik, the fast is the second longest in the Orthodox calendar, after Great Lent. It is also known as Little Lent or Malka Chetiridesetnitsa in Bulgarian, which translates to "Little Forty Days," reflecting its 40-day duration.

The Christmas fast is a time when believers abstain from certain foods and focus on prayer and reflection. It culminates on Christmas Eve, a day traditionally marked by a special evening meal after the fasting period concludes.

#Christmas fast#Bulgaria#Orthodox Christianity#Little Lent#Nativity Fast

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