In the middle of August in Kyustendil, Southwestern Bulgaria, the "Panagia - Raising of the Bread" holiday takes place. The holiday is directly related to the church holiday "Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary", marked on August 15. 

By tradition, on August 14, the day before the Assumption of the Virgin, local women carry out a traditional ritual kneading of bread and bake it. Ritual bread was kneaded today also in the "Holy Assumption" church in the center of Kyustendil, BTA reported. The holiday began with a prayer and a service. The ritual kneading of the bread resembles the sacrament of the church, as the wheat that is used is consecrated.

Tomorrow, on Assumption Day, a traditional display of ritual bread will take place in front of the Ritual Home in Kyustendil. The celebration will begin with a liturgy, which will be headed by Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil. He will consecrate the three loaves kneaded in the churchyard.

• Panagia in Kyustendil – raising of bread to honour the Mother of God