Approximately 85% of the population are Bulgarian. They speak a Slavic language similar to Russian & Serbo-Croat, created by Sts Cyril & Methodius in 855AD and they practice the Orthodox Christian faith. The second largest religious group in Bulgaria are the 13% or so Muslims who follow Islam. They are both Pomaks (Bulgarians who converted to Islam from the 16th Century onwards) and ethnic Turks. The country is a secular state that recognises freedom of religion.
The Bulgarians are gregarious people who regularly and vigorously celebrate the time-honoured festivals of the church in addition to traditional and cultural festivals. There are about 70 events in the calendar that also include folklore & public holidays, such as New Year’s Day.
Examples of unique celebrations (‘prasnic’, Bulgarian for party/festival) include:
Traditional Event - Makavei Day (1 August) where son-in-laws visit their father-in-laws for a hearty meal and drink
Name Day – the orthodox saint’s day after which someone is named, Dimitrovden (26 October)
Festival Day – Watermelon Festival (last Sunday in August) in the town of Shumen.
The renaissance crafts, folklore festivals & traditions are truly still alive in the villages today. |
