A week before Orthodox Easter, Bulgarians celebrate Tsvetnitsa, Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of a week filled with spiritual messages in the life of Christians – the time when Jesus Christ accepted the suffering and death on the cross to atone for the sins of humanity, and in his resurrection to give hope of salvation. According to the Gospel, Christ entered Jerusalem riding a donkey and was welcomed by the people with palm and olive branches.

On Palm Sunday Bulgarians take willow twigs instead of palm branches to church to be sanctified. The willow twigs are blessed at the night vigil on the night before, Saturday. After the church service is over people take the willow twigs home for health. And in the morning, as is the old Bulgarian custom, the willow branches are made into a wreath and put up over the gate of each home. Tsvetnitsa has different names in different regions of Bulgaria – Vrubnitsa (from vurba, willow), Vaya or Kuklinden. Fish but no other meat is allowed for the festive meal. In many parts of the country ritual loaves in the shape of flowers are baked.

Palm Sunday is traditionally marked in Lovech. Celebrations begin on Saturday, St. Lazarus day. Once again this year there will be folklore concerts, and master craftsmen will present their work. The footbridge over Osum River will be the stage where an ancient ritual – on the water – will be enacted, part of the Kuklinden traditions. The girl whose “kukla” (in this case - wreath) is carried away by the river waters fastest will be honorary bridesmaid at Easter, and the good will of the river is seen as a good sign for the girl’s future.