Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Bulgarian Orthodox Church marks Cheesefare Sunday

Photo: archive

Cheesefare Sunday is the last day before the start of the Great Lent. On this day, people ask forgiveness from the elder family members. “If you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you”, said Head Priest Slavcho Prodanov from the town of Targovishte.

The festive table on Cheesefare Sunday includes cheese, fish, boiled eggs, boiled wheat and white halva (a sweet made of sesame seeds and sugar). A ritual called hamkane performed with boiled egg or white halva also takes place on this day. The egg or the halva are stringed up by a red thread and suspended from the ceiling. The oldest man in the family sways the string and all the people around the table try to catch the egg or the halva with their mouth. It is believed that the one who catches the egg or the halva would enjoy sound health throughout the year.




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

Bulgaria among EU countries to receive funds for EV charging stations

The European Commission has approved 70 projects across the EU , worth more than €600 million , to support alternative fuels and reduce vehicle pollution. Bulgaria is participating in two of these projects and will receive funding to install charging..

published on 11/17/25 3:43 PM

Brussels raises 2025 growth forecast for Bulgarian economy

Bulgaria’s GDP is expected to grow 3% this year, the European Commission said in its Autumn Economic Forecast, as reported by BTA. The projection marks an upgrade from the 2% growth rate estimated in the Commission’s spring outlook. The expected GDP..

published on 11/17/25 1:44 PM
Zhecho Stankov

Lukoil sanctions derogation can be expended if necessary, says Energy Minister Stankov

Bulgaria has no additional conditions from the United States for the exception of the sanctions imposed on Lukoil to enter into force, Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov told BNT.  If necessary, the postponement of the sanctions against Lukoil can be..

published on 11/17/25 12:21 PM