In Bulgarian tradition Dimitrovden, the day of St, Demetrius, is one of the best-loved feast days. Eastern Orthodoxy commemorates St. Demetrius on 26 October. The traditional feast day Dimitrovden, a day connected with the change of season, is celebrated on the same day. It is a day believed to mark the start of winter. In folklore tradition, St. Demetrius is the twin brother of another saint – St. George. Both ride a horse, and both are connected with farming activity – the day of St. George, 6 May, marks the ritual start of work in the field, it is the time when land and herd owners start negotiating with farm-hands and shepherds. On St. Demetrius’ day they are paid and released from duty.
St. Demetrius was born in the 3rd century in Thessaloniki to a Christian family who had to conceal their faith because at the time Christians were brutally persecuted. Demetrius was endowed with exceptional beauty and outstanding qualities. After the death of his father he became mayor, converted to Christianity and started preaching to the people of Thessaloniki. Demetrius died a martyr’s death. A small church was erected in Thessaloniki over his grave, where there now rises a basilica, where the relics of the saint are kept.
In Bulgarian folklore tradition he is protector of the family, helping people from birth till death. The day of St. Demetrius has always been a major feast day in Bulgaria. It was once a day on which the entire family would gather, along with all hired workers and farm-hands. Whole towns and villages would choose St. Demetrius to be their patron saint.
There are numerous folk songs dedicated to this popular saint. One of them is “St. Dimitar is building three churches”, performed by Daniel Spassov and Milen Dimitrov, from their album “The Mystery of the Ritual”. The song tells the story of how the saint, miracle-worker, built three churches – one to baptize in, one to wed people in, and the third – to forgive.
With several initiatives, the Regional History Museum in Veliko Tarnovo is commemorating 151 years since the death of the Apostle. "Levski in our hearts" is the theme of the educational initiative "Museum in a Suitcase", which visited schools and..
The Municipality of Troyan expects over 200 participants to take part this Saturday, February 17, in the National cross-country running competition "In the Footsteps of Levski", dedicated to the 151st anniversary of the death of the Apostle of..
On February 14 the Bulgarian Orthodox Church marks the Assumption of Constantine the Philosopher who took the name of Cyril in monkhood. Cyril came from noble parents in Thessaloniki. He studied at the Magnaura School in Constantinople. Because..
An innovative museum site opens its doors in the military cemetery near Tutrakan. The "Tutrakan Epopee - 1916" memorial is situated in..
"Man does not know the way to heaven, but the horse does," says an ancient Thracian proverb. That is why the Thracian kings were necessarily sent to the..
+359 2 9336 661