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Date: December 25th
History & Traditions: Christmas in Bulgaria, known as "Koleda," has deep historical roots intertwined with Orthodox Christian traditions. It is a time when families come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Fast and Feast: Many Bulgarians observe a traditional Advent fast for 40 days leading up to Christmas, abstaining from animal products. The fast is broken on Christmas Eve with a feast that typically includes an odd number of dishes, most commonly seven, nine, or eleven. The meal is vegetarian and includes beans, stuffed peppers, dried fruit, nuts, and the traditional round bread called "pita" with a coin baked inside for good luck.
Straw Under the Tablecloth: A common custom is to place straw under the tablecloth at the Christmas Eve dinner to symbolize the manger where Christ was born.
Koledari: On Christmas Eve or early Christmas morning, groups of boys and young men called "koledari" go house to house singing carols. They wish health and prosperity for the household in the coming year and are often rewarded with food or small gifts.
Christmas Tree: The decoration of a Christmas tree is now common in Bulgarian households, often adorned with ornaments and lights.
What People Do: On Christmas Day itself, Bulgarians typically spend time with family. This day is reserved for feasting on dishes that usually include pork as well as other non-vegetarian foods not eaten during Advent. Presents are exchanged among family members.
Church Services: Religious Bulgarians attend church services either late on Christmas Eve or on Christmas morning.
Family Gatherings: The day is spent enjoying an abundance of food, warmth and joy within family circles.
Overall, Bulgarian Christmas combines religious reverence with festive family customs that reflect both ancient traditions and contemporary holiday practices.
