What rituals and celebrations do they celebrate why in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria is a country with a rich cultural heritage and traditions, and its rituals and celebrations reflect the country's history, folklore, and religious beliefs. Some of the most important and widely celebrated rituals and celebrations in Bulgaria include:

1. Baba Marta (Granny March):

Observed on March 1st, Baba Marta is a traditional Bulgarian celebration welcoming the arrival of spring. On this day, people exchange martenitsi, small red-and-white woolen tassels or bracelets, as symbols of health, happiness, and longevity. It is believed that wearing martenitsi brings good fortune and protects against evil spirits.

2. Bulgarian Easter:

Easter is one of the most important religious celebrations in Bulgaria, with unique traditions and rituals. Elaborate preparations for Easter begin days in advance, including the dyeing of red Easter eggs, baking of traditional Easter bread (kozunak), and decorating the home. On Easter Sunday, people attend church services and gather with their families for a festive feast.

3. Gergyovden (St. George's Day):

Celebrated on May 6th, Gergyovden marks the feast day of St. George, the patron saint of shepherds and farmers. Traditionally, people mark this day by having livestock blessed by the local priest and participating in outdoor festivities, including traditional dances, music, and picnics.

4. Enyovden (St. John's Day):

Enyovden, also known as St. John's Day, falls on June 24th and coincides with the summer solstice. It is an ancient pagan holiday that has merged with Christian traditions over time. Rituals involving the collection of healing herbs, singing of traditional songs, and leaping over bonfires are common on Enyovden.

5. Christmas and New Year:

Christmas Eve is called "Badni Vecher" in Bulgaria, and it is celebrated with elaborate preparations and rituals. Traditional dishes, such as banitsa (feta cheese pastry) and stuffed cabbage leaves, are prepared, and families gather around the table for a special feast. On New Year's Eve, Bulgarians exchange gifts and participate in traditional fortune-telling rituals called survakane, where people tap each other's backs with decorated cornel twigs while reciting blessings and wishes.

6. Rozhen Fair:

The Rozhen Fair is an annual event held near the Rozhen Monastery in the Rhodope Mountains. It takes place in July and attracts thousands of visitors from all over Bulgaria and abroad. The fair showcases traditional Bulgarian crafts, arts, folk music and dances, and local delicacies.

7. Kukeri Festival:

The Kukeri Festival, also known as the Festival of the Masked Men, is an ancient Thracian tradition celebrated in many parts of Bulgaria during winter. Participants wear elaborate costumes and masks, representing mythological creatures, and perform dances and rituals to ward off evil spirits and ensure a good harvest.

These rituals and celebrations are an integral part of Bulgarian culture, passed down through generations. They provide opportunities for people to connect with their heritage, reaffirm social bonds, and celebrate life's important milestones and seasonal transitions.