It's Todorovden again - a holiday on which we look forward to summer

Saint Theodore's Day is the day of horses and horse races

published on 3/8/25 5:05 AM

Photo: BGNES

The day of Saint Theodore known in Bulgarian as Todorovden is a significant Bulgarian holiday, which is celebrated on the Saturday after Cheesefare Sunday - this year its date is March 8.

Todorovden combines pagan beliefs and Orthodox canon

According to Bulgarian folk beliefs, Saint Theodor (or Todor) plays an important role in the awakening of nature to new life. According to legend, on this day the saint drove a hot ember into the ground to warm it. Then he rode his white horse and went to ask God to start the new summer and protect the harvest and fertility.

In Bulgarian folk tradition, horses are honored on Todorovden, which is why the holiday is also known as Horse Easter. All horses are decorated with beautiful tassels and many flowers, and then they are taken to a watering place and to specially organized festive horse races - kushii.

Horse races on Todorovden – an undying tradition

St. Theodore's Day is also known as the day of young brides, it is also called Bulkina (Brides') Saturday, on which women who were married in the previous year knead bread at home.

The festive table on Todorovden is rich, with the ceremonial yeast cakes taking center stage, which are also distributed to the horses.

And since the Easter Lent has already begun, the table on Todorovden includes a variety of lean dishes, such as lentils, mushroom soup, green beans, stuffed red peppers with beans, sauerkraut with rice, etc.

Today is the name day of all those who bear the name of the saint – Todor, Todora, Teodor, Teodora, etc.