Editor's picks

On 27 January the world remembers the victims of the Holocaust

updated on 1/27/25 11:17 AM

On Epiphany, God hears the prayers of the faithful and the Holy Spirit sanctifies the water

published on 1/6/25 10:21 AM

A gift for a gift – ritual breads and an odd number of dishes on Christmas Eve

published on 12/24/24 4:05 AM

Bulgaria marks 145 years since the first Christmas tree was decorated

published on 12/23/24 3:11 PM

What’s on the traditional table of Bulgarians during the Easter Lent

And while for the Catholic world Christ is Risen, Orthodox Christians are only in the middle of the Easter Lent, which lasts until May 2 this year. Giving up food and abstaining from certain products is part of the history and religion of..

published on 4/11/21 6:05 AM

The museum that safeguards the "passions" of the Bulgarian revolutionaries

Can a prison carry the spirit of hope, the price of the freedom of others, and the history that is part of us? The answer is a resounding "yes" when we talk about the Prison-Museum in Bulgaria’s town of Veliko Tarnovo. It is the only oriental..

published on 4/10/21 6:00 AM

Dolmens – the “dragon houses” of Sakar Mountain

Dolmens are ancient megalithic structures, horizontally-fixed massive stone slabs that are connected with the religious beliefs of the ancients. Researchers say that in Bulgaria, the highest concentration of such structures is in the mountains..

published on 4/3/21 2:00 PM

The miraculous peacock feathers

In the past, bird feathers were worn by girls as adornment. People believed that they warded off evil spells, ill-fated encounters and evil. The feathers of certain birds were particularly potent. Pride of place was accorded to the male peacock..

published on 3/28/21 6:10 AM

Yasna Polyana village still remembers the Tolstoyan commune from the turn of the 20th century

The village’s old name was Alan Kayryak and it is located south of the city of Burgas, in the foothills of Mount Strandzha. It is known for its many stork nests as from his home in Yasnaya Polyana in Russia, together with his doctor, to..

published on 3/21/21 7:25 AM

Organized speleology in Bulgaria marks its 92nd anniversary

The beginnings of organized caving in Bulgaria were laid on 18 March, 1920. Since 1975 speleologists in this country have been entering information into a data base of Bulgarian caves – at this time it includes information and maps of more..

published on 3/18/21 9:05 AM

The power of forgiveness that purifies life

Cheesefare Sunday is one of the most colourful feasts in Bulgaria. It always falls on the Sunday before the start of Lent. The ritual also goes by the name of “Proshka” (forgiveness) because in popular tradition, the dinner on this..

published on 3/14/21 8:50 AM

Fire on Cheesefare Sunday wards off summer hail

In traditional Bulgarian culture fire plays an important role – not only in patriarchal life but also as part of many rituals and feasts. According to popular belief fire had the magical power to purify and to protect, to keep..

published on 3/13/21 8:40 AM

The monument of freedom – the symbol that unites all Bulgarians

Shipka or the Monument of Freedom – one of the most emblematic Bulgarian monuments, which has become a symbol of Bulgaria’s independence and national identity, proudly rises to 1,326 metres in the heart of Stara Planina Mountain. At the..

published on 3/6/21 7:05 AM

As Granny Marta approaches…

If you take a stroll in the streets of Sofia or any other town in the country you will find the colours red and white everywhere. Because on this last day of February everyone wants to choose a martenitsa for their loved ones – an amulet of health, which..

published on 2/28/21 8:00 AM