Cheesefare Sunday is one of the most colourful feasts in Bulgaria. It always falls on the Sunday before the start of Lent.
The ritual also goes by the name of “Proshka” (forgiveness) because in popular tradition, the dinner on this day is preceded by the ritual of asking and giving of forgiveness. The young would ask the older people in the family for forgiveness, the newly marrieds would visit their godparents, the journeymen – their masters. The conventional formula was “Forgive me! You are forgiven!” though it varies from region to region. The idea is to attain physical and spiritual cleansing by fasting after being forgiven by one’s near and dear ones.
Find out more about the ritual and the beliefs connected with “Proshka” in “People make errors, people forgive” HERE
Compiled by Albena Bezovska
On November 15, the second longest fasting in the Bulgarian Orthodox tradition begins, which is preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ. It is believed that, although it lasts 40 days, the Christ's Nativity fast is not as..
After the Russo-Turkish war of 1878, with the Treaty of Berlin, the Bulgarian ethnic land was divided. Northern Dobrudja was handed over to Romania, and Nis and Pirot regions - to Serbia. The Principality of Bulgaria, a vassal of the Ottoman Empire,..
The biggest holiday for Muslims, which marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, is Eid al-Adha. It begins in the evening hours of the day of Arife (June 27), when Muslims pay respect to their deceased relatives..
Partly Cloudy
sunshine, cloud, rain and thunder
Mostly Cloudy
Partly cloudy, chance of rain