Bulg.eu - everything about the Bansko region!
Living and working in the mountains of Bulgaria!
 

Customs, traditions and holidays: everything about the versatile Bulgarian culture

Bulgarian culture is very diverse and has influences from Roman, Greek, Turkish, Ottoman and Soviet culture. This can be seen, among other things, in the architecture that you can find in Bulgaria. In Sofia, for example, you see many buildings from the Soviet era, but in Plovdiv, for example, you can also find buildings that date from the time of the Romans.
The people in Bulgaria are very friendly and hospitable and this of course enriches the beautiful culture of the country.
From certain customs to local dishes: in this article we tell you everything about the versatile culture of Bulgaria!
 

What is special about the Bulgarian culture? Examples of traditions

Bulgaria has a beautiful culture. This includes many traditions, holidays, dishes and costumes.

Bulgaria is full of traditions, including influences from Greek, Turkish and other Slavic cultures.

Rose production is large in Bulgaria. No less than 70% of all roses produced annually come from Bulgaria!
A lot of rose oil is also made, which is used in perfumes, among other things.

Music in particular is an important part of Bulgarian culture. Bulgarian folk music is known all over the world and even dates back to the Middle Ages. The rhythms, harmonies and traditional instruments, such as the kaval (a flute), the gadulka (a violin) and the tambura (stringed instrument), ensure that the music is internationally known and is still used for Bulgarian folk dances and celebrations.

An example of a tradition is Thracian fire dancing. This is even recognized as cultural heritage by UNESCO.
The most famous fire dance festival is in the village of Bulgari.

Another important tradition is the Kukeri festival Starchevata. This is an age-old tradition of men in elaborate costumes (Kukeri) dancing or walking through the streets with large bells to scare away evil forces and evil spirits. This is mainly done on New Year's Day and Easter.

This tradition dates back to the time of the Thracians and is still an important ritual in Bulgaria today. Especially in Razlog, this is a big party that attracts people from all over the region on New Year's Day.

There is even a documentary about the Kukeri Festival made by National Geographic. Here you can see the party in Razlog.

Article about Kukeri festival in National Geographic Razlog Kukeri in National Geographic. Source: National Geographic

 

Bulgarian folk costume

In addition, the Bulgarian traditional costume is an important characteristic of the culture. In Bulgaria there are often folklore festivals, where people dance in old Bulgarian costumes.

Historical costumes in Bulgaria. Bulgarian folk costume


The 3 most important holidays in Bansko

In addition to traditions, Bulgaria is full of traditional holidays. Think of New Year's Day, Christmas and Bulgarian Independence Day. But there are many more.
Below we highlight the three most important holidays in the Bansko region!


New Year's Day: the Kukeri Festival

Earlier in this article we of course already talked about the Kukeri festival. This is one of the most important traditions in the Razlog Valley.

This festival is called Starchevata and is always a big party.

Just like in other countries, New Year's Day is an important holiday when children and many adults have time off from school and work.
However, this holiday is celebrated in Bulgaria slightly differently than you are used to. No oliebollen and apple turnovers and no carbide shooting. There are festivals, folk dances and other local traditions.

Starchevata festival Razlog Kukeri in Razlog on New Year's Day


In Bansko and Razlog this is the Kukeri festival, which means that men in traditional clothing walk through the streets with bells on their belts to chase away evil spirits.
This is a big celebration, especially in Razlog, which has even attracted the attention of National Geographic.

January 1st is always one big party in Bansko. The Bulgarians love to party!


Bulgarian Independence Day

Bulgarian Independence Day (den na ozvoboszhdenieto in Bulgarian) is, as you would expect, a big celebration in Bulgaria.
On this day (September 22), Bulgarians celebrate the country's independence from the Ottomans in 1908. The president raises the Bulgarian flag at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in Sofia and there are events, concerts and parades throughout the country.
You should definitely experience this!


St. George Day

St. George Day is an important public holiday in Bulgaria celebrated every year on May 6. Almost everyone is off on this day and military parades and ceremonies take place throughout the country. It is also a cheerful festival everywhere with lots of music, dancing and roasting lamb.

St. George was the patron saint of the Bulgarian army and stood for courage. He is also seen as a protector of the shepherds and their livestock.
He is an important figure in Bulgaria, which is also reflected in the many buildings and churches named after him.

This is celebrated not only in Bulgaria, but also in countries such as Romania, Croatia, Serbia, Cyprus and Greece.