Dive into Bulgaria's national holidays, a harmonious mix of heritage and festivity. Explore Liberation Day, Baba Marta, and more, celebrating the nation's rich history with joy and unity.
| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year's Day | National holiday |
| Monday | Jan 02,2023 | Day off for New Year's Day | National holiday |
| Wednesday | Feb 01,2023 | Day of Remembrance and Respect to Victims of the Communist Regime | Observance |
| Wednesday | Mar 01,2023 | Baba Marta | Observance |
| Friday | Mar 03,2023 | Liberation Day | National holiday |
| Wednesday | Mar 08,2023 | Mother’s Day | Observance |
| Sunday | Mar 26,2023 | Daylight Saving Time starts | Clock change/Daylight Saving Time |
| Friday | Apr 14,2023 | Good Friday | National holiday |
| Saturday | Apr 15,2023 | Holy Saturday | National holiday |
| Sunday | Apr 16,2023 | Easter Sunday | National holiday |
| Monday | Apr 17,2023 | Easter Monday | National holiday |
| Monday | May 01,2023 | Labor Day | National holiday |
| Saturday | May 06,2023 | St. George's Day | National holiday |
| Monday | May 08,2023 | Day off for St. George's Day | National holiday |
| Wednesday | May 24,2023 | Culture and Literacy Day | National holiday |
| Saturday | Jul 01,2023 | July Morning | Observance |
| Wednesday | Sep 06,2023 | Unification Day | National holiday |
| Friday | Sep 22,2023 | Independence Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | Oct 29,2023 | Daylight Saving Time ends | Clock change/Daylight Saving Time |
| Wednesday | Nov 01,2023 | Revival Day | Educational Holiday |
| Sunday | Dec 24,2023 | Christmas Eve | National holiday |
| Monday | Dec 25,2023 | Christmas Day | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Dec 26,2023 | Father’s Day | Observance |
| Tuesday | Dec 26,2023 | Second day of Christmas | National holiday |
| Wednesday | Dec 27,2023 | Christmas holiday | National holiday |
Celebrated on January 1st, New Year's Day marks the beginning of the year with festive parties and fireworks. It's a time for people to set resolutions and look forward to a fresh start. The holiday is significant for Bulgarians as it symbolizes hope and optimism for the future.
Observed on February 1st, this solemn day is dedicated to remembering and honoring the victims of the Communist regime in Bulgaria. It serves as a reminder of the country's tumultuous past and the importance of preserving freedom and democracy.
On March 1st, Bulgarians celebrate Baba Marta, a unique tradition involving the exchange of red and white Martenitsa charms to welcome the arrival of spring. This holiday has deep cultural roots, symbolizing the transition from winter to spring and the hope for a fruitful year ahead.
Celebrated on March 3rd, Liberation Day commemorates Bulgaria's liberation from Ottoman rule in 1878. It's a day of national pride and patriotism, marked by parades, concerts, and cultural events. Liberation Day is a symbol of Bulgaria's fight for independence and its rich history.
Mother's Day, celebrated on the second Sunday of May, is a day to honor and express love for mothers and maternal figures. It's a day of family gatherings and heartfelt gestures to show appreciation. While not exclusive to Bulgaria, it holds cultural significance by emphasizing the importance of family bonds.
This is the day when Bulgarians set their clocks forward by one hour, usually on the last Sunday in March. While not a holiday in itself, it affects daily life and schedules. It marks the transition to longer daylight hours and the coming of spring, impacting various activities and routines.
Good Friday, observed on the Friday before Easter, is a Christian holiday marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It holds deep religious importance and is a day of reflection and solemnity for Bulgarian Christians, often involving church services and fasting.
Holy Saturday is celebrated on the day before Easter Sunday. It signifies the day Jesus was laid in the tomb. Bulgarians often attend midnight church services on this day, followed by the traditional blessing of Easter foods and candles. It is a key part of the Easter weekend, representing the anticipation of Christ's resurrection.
Easter Sunday is the most important Christian holiday, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Bulgarians attend church services, exchange Easter eggs, and enjoy festive meals with family. It symbolizes the triumph of life over death and holds significant cultural and religious importance in Bulgaria.
Easter Monday is a continuation of Easter celebrations, marked by family gatherings and outdoor activities. It provides an additional day for Bulgarians to enjoy the festive spirit and extend their Easter traditions, making it a cherished part of the holiday season.
Celebrated on May 1st, Labor Day is a worldwide tribute to the achievements of workers and their labor rights. In Bulgaria, it is a day for labor unions, workers' protests, and cultural events that promote workers' rights and social justice. It emphasizes the importance of labor and workers' contributions to society.
St. George's Day, on May 6th, honors Saint George, the patron saint of Bulgaria. It blends Christian and pagan traditions with rituals like jumping over fires for good health. The day is steeped in folklore and reflects the rich cultural heritage of Bulgaria, celebrating bravery, chivalry, and the arrival of spring.
Celebrated on May 24th, Culture and Literacy Day commemorates the creation of the Bulgarian Cyrillic alphabet. It promotes literacy, culture, and education in Bulgaria, highlighting the nation's historical and literary heritage. This day is significant for promoting knowledge and preserving cultural identity.
July Morning is a unique Bulgarian tradition celebrated on the morning of July 1st. It involves greeting the sunrise at the beach, symbolizing a fresh start and cleansing of the soul. This holiday reflects the country's connection to nature and its desire for renewal and positive change.
On September 6th, Bulgarians celebrate Unification Day, marking the unification of Bulgaria in 1885. It's a day of national pride, with parades, ceremonies, and cultural events. Unification Day highlights the importance of unity and solidarity among Bulgarians, both historically and in the present.
Independence Day, observed on September 22nd, commemorates Bulgaria's declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1908. It's a day of patriotic celebrations, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural performances. Independence Day represents the country's autonomy and the enduring spirit of the Bulgarian people.
Similar to its start, this day signifies the end of daylight saving time in Bulgaria, usually on the last Sunday in October. It marks the return to standard time and shorter daylight hours, impacting daily routines and activities as winter approaches.
Celebrated on November 1st, Revival Day, or All Saints' Day, is a day to honor the memory of departed loved ones. Bulgarians visit cemeteries, light candles, and pay respects to their ancestors. It is a day of reflection and remembrance, emphasizing the importance of family and heritage.
hristmas Eve, on December 24th, is a cherished holiday preceding Christmas Day. Bulgarians partake in a festive meal, attend church services, and exchange gifts. It signifies the anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ and is a time for family togetherness and goodwill.
Christmas Day, on December 25th, celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a significant Christian holiday with church services and festive gatherings. In Bulgaria, it is also a time for charitable acts and sharing with those in need, embodying the spirit of giving and compassion.
Father's Day, celebrated on the second Sunday in December, is a day to honor fathers and paternal figures. It's a time for expressing gratitude and love, similar to Mother's Day. While not exclusive to Bulgaria, it underscores the importance of family bonds and appreciation for fathers.
