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

Bulgarian Roma celebrate the Feast of Bango Vassili

Photo: archive

Most Roma groups in Bulgaria celebrate today St. Basil’s Day (the Feast of Bango Vassili, Vasilitsa). It is known in the country as “the Roma New Year”. The festivities last for three days- on January 13, 14 and 15. 

Roma children from the village of Tarnene, Pleven district, are expected to visit the Embassy of Denmark online. The event is organized by the Amalipe Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance.

The celebration of “Vasilitsa” is related to several Roma legends about Bango Vassili- defender and protector of Roma who restored a bridge destroyed by the Devil or God and saved the drowning Roma.



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 faces widespread rain and cooler temperatures

On Thursday, minimum temperatures will range from 3° to 19°C, with eastern areas reaching 15–19°C and Sofia around 6°C. The day will be cloudy with widespread rain. Heavy rainfall is expected in western regions overnight and in central and southern..

published on 11/26/25 7:05 PM

Georg Georgiev: Support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia must continue

“Solutions for achieving peace in Ukraine must be based on fundamental principles of the UN Charter, such as sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.” This was stated by Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev at the informal video..

published on 11/26/25 6:41 PM
Ivelin Mihaylov

Bulgaria’s Anti-Corruption Commission probes 'Velichie' party in major property fraud case

Bulgaria’s Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating a large-scale property fraud and money laundering scheme connected to the 'Historical Park', which is associated with Ivelin Mihaylov, the leader of the Velichie party. Those arrested include the..

published on 11/26/25 2:30 PM