Enyovden (Midsummer's Day) is one of the most beloved holidays in the folk calendar of Bulgarians, which has deep roots in our traditions, thinking, and beliefs. It has a fixed date - always it is marked on June 24. It is also called St. John of the Summer, because on the same date the Orthodox Church honours the birth of St. John the Baptist.
According to popular belief, on Midsummer's Day the path of the sun from winter to summer ends and it takes the opposite course - from summer to winter. And on the night before the holiday the skies open, the stars descend to the earth and enchant grasses and flowers, giving them a healing power. The waters are also granted , because the sun bathes for the last time before it sets. That is why even today, in the early morning of Midsummer's Day, people ritually bathe in rivers and lakes.
The holiday was once accompanied by special songs for every moment of the practiced rituals and ceremonies - from gathering herbs in the early morning, to the singing of folk songs and the cheerful youth jokes at dusk.
More about them in Radio Bulgaria’s Editor’s picks.
Over 300 Bulgarians based in the USA have represented Bulgaria at the World Culture Festival in Washington , organized by the international foundation The Art of Living . 250 dancers from several Bulgarian folklore troupes in the USA,..
The Bulgarian community in Vancouver, Canada, is holding the Katanitza Festival of Bulgarian folk dances and embroidery from September 21 to 24 with the participation of groups from all over North America and Canada . This is the 10th edition of the..
Over 1000 people, keepers of Bulgarian spirit and traditions, gather in Balchik on the Black Sea from 21 to 24 September for the International Folklore Festival "Sea of Rhythms". The festival will feature live performances by singers and dancers..
+359 2 9336 661