Lesson 21: Presenting Bulgaria
Key Vocabulary
Presenting Bulgaria
Key Facts
- Location: Southeast Europe (The Balkans).
- Capital: Sofia.
- Language: Bulgarian (Cyrillic alphabet).
- Currency: Lev (BGN) and Euro (EUR).
- Population: Around 6.5 million.
Geography Highlights
Rila (Peak Musala), Pirin, The Balkan Range (Stara Planina), The Rhodopes.
Rivers:The Danube (North border), Maritsa, Iskar.
Major Cities:Sofia (Capital), Plovdiv (Culture), Varna & Burgas (Sea), Ruse (Danube).
Useful Phrases
| "Bulgaria is famous for..." | Rose oil, Yogurt, History. |
| "It is located in..." | The center of the Balkan Peninsula. |
| "It borders..." | Romania (N), Greece/Turkey (S), Serbia/NM (W). |
| "The climate is..." | Continental with 4 seasons. |
Bulgarian Traditions Daily
Baba Marta (March 1st)
We celebrate the coming of Spring on March 1st. People exchange Martenitsa made of red and white wool threads. Red symbolizes health and life, while white stands for purity. We wear them on our wrists or clothes until we see a stork or a blossoming tree. Then, we tie them to a fruit tree for good luck.
Kukeri (The Monsters)
Men wear scary, furry masks and heavy bells around their waists to scare away evil spirits. They dance in the streets during winter or early spring to bring good harvest and health. The bells make a very loud noise that can be heard from far away. This tradition is especially famous in the regions of Pernik and Razlog.
Nestinari (Fire Dancing)
An ancient custom preserved in mountain villages in Strandzha. People enter a trance state and dance barefoot on burning embers (hot fire coals) without burning their feet. It is accompanied by the sound of drums and bagpipes. It connects ancient pagan rituals with the Christian saints Constantine and Helena.
Rose Festival
Held in Kazanlak (The Rose Valley) in June. Bulgaria produces the best rose oil in the world, used in many perfumes. The festival includes rose picking rituals early in the morning when the scent is strongest. Every year, a beautiful girl is crowned as the "Rose Queen" during a colorful parade.
Trifon Zarezan (Feb 14)
This is the day of the vine-growers and wine. Men go to the vineyards to cut the old vines to ensure a good harvest. They pour wine on the roots and bless the land. It is an old celebration of fertility, often celebrated with a feast of roasted chicken and homemade wine.
Name Days (Imen Den)
In Bulgaria, Name Days are often as important as birthdays. Many people are named after Saints (Ivan, Georgi, Dimitar). On your Name Day, you are expected to treat your friends and colleagues with chocolates or drinks. In the past, guests could visit without an invitation to honor the name.
Jordanovden (Epiphany)
Celebrated on January 6th. A priest throws a wooden cross into a freezing lake or river. Young men jump into the icy water to retrieve it. It is believed that the one who catches the cross will be healthy all year. In Kalofer, men dance a traditional Horo in the freezing river.
Lazaruvane (St. Lazarus Day)
Celebrated on the Saturday before Palm Sunday. Young girls, called Lazarki, wear traditional folk costumes and flower wreaths. They walk from house to house singing songs for health, happiness, and fertility. It is a rite of passage for girls becoming women.
Ennyovden (Midsummer)
On June 24th, Bulgarians celebrate the power of the sun and nature. It is believed that on this day, herbs have the strongest healing power. People wake up before sunrise to gather herbs and wash their faces in the morning dew for health. It marks the middle of summer.
Survakane (New Year)
On January 1st, children decorate a cornel branch called a Survachka with wool, popcorn, and dried fruits. They gently tap the backs of their relatives while reciting poems wishing for health and wealth. In return, the elders give them money or small treats.
National Holidays
| Date | Holiday | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | New Year | Survakari tap backs for health. People celebrate with fireworks. |
| March 3 | Liberation Day | National Holiday. Independence from Ottoman rule (1878). Parades at Shipka Peak. |
| May 1 | Labor Day | International Workers' Day. A day off for most employees. |
| May 6 | Gergyovden | St. George's Day and Day of the Army. Families gather to eat roasted lamb. |
| May 24 | Alphabet Day | Day of Bulgarian Education and Culture. We celebrate the Cyrillic script created by Cyril and Methodius. |
| Sept 6 | Unification Day | Celebrates the Unification of Bulgaria (1885). Major events in Plovdiv. |
| Sept 22 | Independence Day | Declaration of full Independence (1908) from the Ottoman Empire. Celebrated in Veliko Tarnovo. |
| Nov 1 | Awakener's Day | Day of the National Revival Leaders. A holiday for schools and universities to honor history. |
| Dec 24-26 | Christmas | Budni Vecher (Dec 24) is a vegan family dinner with odd number of dishes. Koleda (Dec 25) involves meat and gifts. |
Exercises (15 Sets)
Welcome to Bulgaria
