Daylight Saving Time Starts in Bulgaria

Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Bulgaria typically begins at 3:00 AM on the last Sunday in March, when clocks are turned forward by one hour to 4:00 AM. This practice aims to make better use of daylight during the evenings by shifting an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening.

History

The concept of DST was first proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1784 but was not widely adopted until the 20th century. It became more standardized during and after World War I and II, mainly as a way to conserve energy. Bulgaria has observed DST since 1979, aligning with many other countries across Europe.

Traditions

Bulgaria does not have specific traditions associated with the start of Daylight Saving Time. However, similar to other countries, Bulgarians prepare for this day by:

• Adjusting their clocks before going to sleep on Saturday night or upon waking up on Sunday.
• Planning for potential disruptions in their schedules, especially for time-sensitive activities like travel or work shifts.
• Enjoying the longer evening daylight hours which can lead to increased outdoor activities.

What People Do

On the day DST starts, Bulgarians:

• Update all manual clocks and watches; however, most modern electronics auto-adjust.
• May feel a temporary impact on their sleep patterns due to the time change (sometimes referred to as "mini jet lag").
• Take advantage of longer daylight hours in the evening for leisure activities, shopping, or socializing.

While DST's start is a routine annual event and not a public holiday or celebration, it marks a transitional period toward spring and summer activities in Bulgaria.