Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Welcoming the carol singers on Christmas

The ancient Bulgarian tradition of "koleduvane" is still alive to this day

A group of carol singers (koledari)
Photo: BGNES

Part of the magic of Christmas are the rituals we keep in the family tradition and which we remember every year. For many of us, this is a special moment, especially now that our lives are taking on a different shape as a result of the pandemic and all constraints.

Although this year the holiday feels different, it again gives us faith and warmth, even when we have to deprive ourselves of face-to-face meetings with our relatives and friends.

In the past, the period from St. Ignatius Day on December 20th to Christmas on December 25th was filled with a cycle o customs, including the traditional Bulgarian custom of “koleduvane” (the tour of the village performed by the carol singers). The so-called “koledari” (carol singers) were group of young unmarried boys.

On the night after Badni Vecher (Christmas Eve), the groups of carol singers would start their ritual tour of the entire village accompanied by the sound of the bagpipe. They went from house to house, drawing a symbolic circle around the entire village. They did not miss a single house bringing to the hosts their songs and blessings for health and fertility.

Learn more about the old Bulgarian custom of the good Christmas guests, the carol singers and their Christmas blessings in the publication Bulgarian Christmas and the tradition of carol singers from Radio Bulgaria’s Best collection.


Edited by Albena Bezovska




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Christmas Eve in traditional Bulgarian culture

The night before Christ's Nativity in Bulgarian folklore culture is known by several names. Of course, most often we call it Christmas Eve, and the main meaning of the traditions and rituals of the holiday is well-known - it is a holiday of humility,..

published on 12/24/23 8:30 AM

The December series of holidays starts with the days of Saints Barbara, Sava and Nicholas

A series of holidays starts in December, taking us closer to the shared moments of comfort and love on Christmas Eve. "Varvara boils it, Sava roasts it, Nikola welcomes guests." this is how Bulgarian people describe the..

published on 12/4/23 3:17 PM

The Christmas fasting - 40 days of spiritual purification before the glorious Nativity

On November 15, the second longest fasting in the Bulgarian Orthodox tradition begins, which is preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ. ‎ It is believed that, although it lasts 40 days, the Christ's Nativity fast is not as..

published on 11/15/23 9:44 AM