Roman emperor Constantine the Great (AD 306 to 337) introduced the Christian religion as official in the Byzantine Empire. His mother, Helena, discovered the cross on which the Savior was crucified and built several monasteries in the Holy Land. The discovery of the Cross is considered the most important event in the history of Christendom, and Emperor Constantine and his mother Helena were canonized as saints. 

In Bulgarian folk customs, the feast intertwines the traditions of Christianity with pagan traditions of dancing on live coals - the Nestinari dance.  It is preserved to this day in some areas, in its original form. In many places it is also performed as a show for tourists.

Into the circle of glowing embers enter the barefoot dancing Nestinari, who are most often women. It is believed that they fall into a trance state in which they can utter words of prophecy. Their ritual dance lasts for several minutes. 

 After the games of the Nestinari, everyone gathers at the communal table with the prepared kurban.

Read also:

• Mysteries of the nestinari fire-dancers
• More about nestinari and fire dancing - a first-person story

Photos: BGNES,BTA