#folk customs
Enyovden: Bulgaria's Midsummer Herb Festival and Healing Rituals
Every June, Bulgarians celebrate Enyovden, a day when herbs are believed to hold extraordinary healing power and the sun dances in the sky.
Nikulden: Bulgaria's Fish Feast for St. Nicholas
Every December 6, Bulgarian families gather around a table laden with fish to honour St. Nicholas, the patron of waters, sailors, and good fortune.
Koledari: Bulgaria's Christmas Carol Singers and Their Ancient Blessings
Every Christmas Eve, groups of young men known as koledari walk from house to house across Bulgaria, singing festive songs and offering blessings for health, fertility and prosperity in the year ahead.
Todorovden: Bulgaria's Spring Horse Festival and Ancient Rites
Each year, Bulgarians mark Todorovden, a joyful celebration of horses, racing and spring renewal that blends Orthodox faith with age-old folk customs.
Badni Vecher: Bulgaria's Christmas Eve Feast and Its Ancient Rituals
From the burning of the badnik log to the lucky coin hidden in the bread, Christmas Eve in Bulgaria is rich with customs that bring families together around a meatless table.
Survakane: Bulgaria's New Year Blessing with a Decorated Branch
On the first morning of the year, children across Bulgaria perform a centuries-old ritual of tapping elders with a decorated cornel branch while reciting wishes for health and prosperity.