#bulgarian folklore
Bulgarian Folk Groups Abroad Mark 10th Anniversary with Sofia Concert
Dancers and singers from Bulgarian communities across 21 countries came together at Joy Station on Saturday, as the Association of Bulgarian Folk Groups Abroad celebrated a decade of promoting Bulgarian culture.
The Bulgarian Horo: A Circle Dance of Community and Celebration
The horo is Bulgaria's signature round dance — a living tradition that brings people together at weddings, festivals and village squares. Here's what makes it special and how to join in.
Nestinarstvo: Bulgaria's Ancient Fire Dance on Glowing Embers
Discover the mystical ritual of nestinarstvo, where dancers walk barefoot across burning coals to the beat of drums, carrying icons and entering a trance. This ancient tradition from the Strandzha mountains blends pagan and Christian beliefs.
Dimitrovden: Bulgaria's Autumn Feast of St. Demetrius and the Turning Season
Every 26 October, Bulgarians mark Dimitrovden, a day woven from Orthodox faith, folk custom and the closing of the agricultural year. It is the feast of St. Demetrius, a major name day, and a moment to welcome winter with ritual and feasting.
Samodivi: The Enchanting Woodland Nymphs of Bulgarian Folklore
Bulgaria’s forests and springs are home to the samodivi, supernatural maidens whose beauty and power have shaped folk tales for centuries.
Babinden: Bulgaria's Cheerful Day for Midwives and New Mothers
Every 21 January, Bulgarian villages and towns celebrate Babinden, a joyful folk tradition honouring midwives and the women they have cared for, with songs, feasts and a ritual splash of water.
Peperuda: Bulgaria's Ancient Rain-Making Ritual
When drought threatened the harvest, Bulgarian villagers once turned to Peperuda, a ritual where a girl dressed in leaves danced from house to house asking the skies for rain. Learn how this ancient tradition worked and where its echoes remain.
Koleduvane: Bulgaria's Midnight Christmas Caroling Tradition
Every Christmas Eve, groups of young men in Bulgaria walk from house to house after midnight, singing ancient songs and wishing good luck for the year ahead.
Lazaruvane: Bulgaria's Spring Ritual of Song and Blossom
Every Lazarus Saturday, young Bulgarian girls known as lazarki dress in traditional costume and visit homes, singing songs that bless families with health and fertility.