57 Bulgarian Culture Facts That Will Leave You In Awe Of The Place

Bulgaria is Europe's oldest surviving country, having retained its ancient name, the First Bulgarian Empire, since 681.

The country's history was distinguished by several battles between the seventh and 11th centuries, but it also helped Bulgaria to become such a great empire after multiple triumphs.

Following an insurrection headed by Asen and Peter of the Asen Dynasty, the Second Bulgarian Empire arose in 1185, following a brief period in which Bulgarian lands were a part of the Byzantine Empire.

The Bulgarian territory saw numerous severe political crises during the following 185 years, and in 1371, Bulgaria fell under the Ottoman Empire's power, becoming a Turkish region for another 500 years.

Bulgaria was afflicted by insecurity and fell into economic catastrophe in the early part of the '90s as internal disputes worsened, prompting many professionals to flee the country.

Bulgaria became a part of NATO in the year 2004 and that of the European Union in 2007. Bulgarian politics have stabilized in recent years, and the nation drew over 8 million tourists in 2018.

In 1989, Zhivkov resigned, and in June of the '90s, the ruling Communists re-branded themselves as the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and won an absolute majority in the first multi-party elections in 44 years.

The Bulgars were a Turkic-speaking semi-nomadic people that originated in central Asia.

They lived on the plains north of the Caucasus and along the banks of the Volga from the second century onwards.

The First Bulgarian Empire was founded by a branch of Bulgars.

Bulgaria is proud of its rich, traditional religion and is known globally for Bulgarian folk music and opera performers and musicians.

Folk music and dances, national clothes, and ancient ceremonies all play a significant role in the culture of Bulgaria.

'Shopsla salata', or 'summer salad', is the queen of all Bulgarian cuisines and has been declared the national dish since its colors match those of the flag.

Bulgaria is Europe's oldest country, with a name that hasn't changed since it was founded.

Bulgarian archaeological sites are largely made up of Thracian, Roman, and Byzantine remains, each with its own tale and historical intrigue.

The Danube River, with a length 1,794.5 mi (2,888 km), which runs along the majority of Bulgaria's northern border, is the country's longest river.

The Rila Monastery, also known as Saint Ivan of Rila Monastery, is Bulgaria's largest and most prominent eastern Orthodox monastery.

The Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, popularly called the Bulgarian Riviera, runs the length of Bulgaria's eastern border.

The Bulgarian flag is tricolored, consisting of three horizontal stripes of white, green, and red of equal size.

Bulgarian is a south Slavic language used predominantly in Bulgaria in southeastern Europe.

Bulgaria is known for being Europe's oldest country, founded in 681 AD by Khan Asparuh.

Mountains, plains, the Black Sea Coast, rivers, lakes, and hot springs are all part of Bulgaria's natural richness.

Bulgaria is a top tourist destination not just in Europe but also across the world, with more than 700 mineral springs. Sofia is the wealthiest capital city on the Earth in terms of mineral springs, with 42.

Bulgaria exports the most lavender oil in the world.

Bulgaria has recently become a significant producer of lavender oil, in addition to organic rose oil.

Although Bulgaria is a small nation, it is home to 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Continue reading to learn some more interesting facts about Bulgarian culture. After reading these facts about Bulgaria, you may also look at other fun fact articles about the Afghanistan culture and the Alaskan culture.

Famous Bulgarian Traditions

• In terms of arts, architecture, culture, and charming mountain villages, Bulgaria has a lot to offer travelers.
• Getting up before daybreak, getting muddy, dancing in ice-cold water, and ascending a mountaintop for a music festival are just a few of the amazing Bulgarian customs.
• On January 6, the priest tosses a metal cross into the icy waters of the local river, with the boldest men attempting to retrieve it first, seemingly undeterred by the cold.
• The dance is solely for guys, and the very first dance is just for locals.
• Hikers in Bulgaria are so enthralled by their preferred mountain routes and peaks that they hold summer music events high in the mountains.
• The Blueberry Festival, hosted at 5,000 ft (1,524 m) on the Stara Planina mountain range, is among the most famous summer mountain festivities.
• There is no automotive access, so everyone who wishes to participate must carry their food, tent, and gear up the incredibly steep and sweat-inducing trail for four to six hours.
• Every summer, thousands of Japanese tourists travel over 6,213.7 mi (10,000 km) to Bulgaria to have their hands scraped and muddied in the Valley of Roses.
• Everyone is welcome to get up before daybreak for more than a month and participate in the customary rose picking activity.
• Each flower is hand-picked and utilized to make one of the greatest rose oils in the world, which is used in the majority of French fragrances.
• Only Bulgarians commemorate July Morning, which goes back to the '60s when the country's hippie movement was gaining traction.
• On June 30, Bulgarian people flock to the Black Sea shore to set up camp on the sand, play guitar, sing, and drink socially around a campfire.
• They sing the Uriah Heep song 'July Morning' when the sun rises in the morning to honor summer, freedom, and camaraderie.
• Baba Marta is a festivity that commemorates the arrival of spring. Bulgarian youngsters are taught that Grandma March brings springtime along with their Martenitsa.
• A mystical thread called a Martenitsa is said to bring its possessor a healthy and wealthy year.
• Thousands of street merchants sell Martenitsa, which are red and white threads worn around the wrists or fastened to coats by everyone.
• While carnivals are held all over the world around Lent, the Kukeri in Bulgaria are distinguished by their frightening costumes, which appear to have originated from an extravagant horror production.
• The Kukeri parade is held around New Year's Eve or on Cheesefare Sunday, right before Lent, as an old ceremony to ward off bad spirits.
• A magical ceremony has continued to the present day in a few remote settlements in the undulating Strandzha Mountains along the Turkish border.
• Villagers assemble on the plaza on the evening of Saints Constantine and Helen's Day to dance barefoot on flaming embers.
• The dancers are put into a trance by the sound of a holy drum, which explains why there is no pain sensed by the public.
• Dog spinning has been a custom in the southeastern portions of Bulgaria for hundreds of years, despite the fact that it has been legally outlawed in the whole country since 2011.
• Dog spinning, which was intended to protect dogs against rabies and was conducted on the so-called Dog Monday, has been condemned by animal protection organizations all over the world as an act of cruelty.
• While the western custom of Valentine's Day has spread throughout Bulgaria in recent decades, every Bulgarian understands that February 14 is more about loving wine than it is about loving people.
• The customary cutting of the vines on Trifon Zarezan, or Vine Growers' Day, is a celebration of fertility and the mystical characteristics of Bulgarian wine.
• It is customary in Bulgaria to splash a copper pitcher of water in front of the entryway when someone leaves home for a significant event in their life, such as the first day of school, a crucial test, or a major competition.
• A bride kicks a copper pot full of water when she leaves the house before the wedding.
• The Bulgarian bagpipe is known as the gaida, and the Bulgarians are fond of it.
• 333 Bulgarian piper players performed nine-minute traditional tunes in May 2012. The Guinness Book of Records acknowledged them for setting a world title in bagpipe performance.
• In the country, shaking one's head horizontally implies 'yes', whereas nodding up and down suggests a negative answer.

The History Of Bulgarian Culture

• Bulgaria is a captivating nation with a long and often harsh history that has resulted in a contemporary, thriving civilization that keeps the most endearing aspects of its past, such as traditional traditions and the Bulgarian folk song.
• Bulgaria has a fascinating cultural influence from the Thracian rule, Slavic language, and Bulgar traditions, as well as the eastern Orthodox Christians.
• Bulgaria also has a significant folklore culture, which can be found in various forms of art, literature, music, events, and everyday life.
• Bulgaria was overrun by Ottoman rule, Roman and Persian empires, among others, and many of these sought to suppress indigenous culture.
• Bulgaria, on the other hand, was able to protect and sustain its identity, emerging as an independent nation, thanks to a solid language basis and a tenacious and determined mindset.
• When it comes to meals, Bulgarians typically begin with a crisp salad.
• Even though traditional Bulgarian dishes might be heavy, you might wish to start with a salad as the locals do.
• Bulgarians are understandably proud of their distinct gastronomy, customs, habits, and beliefs.
• Bulgarians have a traditional outlook on family life. Many generations share a home and share responsibility for money and children.
• Numerous temples, tombs, golden riches of the Thracian kings, and ancient rites and rituals have been discovered among Thracian antiquities, while ancient Bulgars have left signs of their history in statehood, early architecture, traditional music, and dances.
• Bulgaria also showed the world the Cyrillic alphabet, which is the world's second most popular alphabet and sixth writing system.
• A number of well-known opera singers, musician Alexis Weissenberg, and other prominent performers helped to spread Bulgarian culture overseas.
• The majority of citizens are Christian, with the Bulgarian Orthodox Church being the most common denomination.
• Bulgarians believe Eastern Orthodox Christianity to be the ancient religion.
• There is also a sizable Muslim population and a modest Jewish population.
• Handshakes are the standard form of greeting, and typical courtesies should be performed.
• Dress conservatively yet comfortably. A little keepsake from one's hometown is a suitable gift if welcomed to a house, and anything for their children has always been welcome.
• Bulgarian citizens use the Cyrillic alphabet as their official language, and Bulgaria is the only EU country to do so.
• In popular tourist resorts and hotels, English, German, French, and Russian are spoken.
• Charles Champaud, a Swiss-born gymnast, represented Bulgaria in the very first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, the same year he introduced football to Bulgaria's capital Sofia.
• Each year, from March 1 until the person first sees a stork, bird, or flowering tree, martenitsa, miniature red and white figurines made of yarn, are customarily worn to welcome spring.
• The Granit oak, a common oak tree called after the hamlet where it grows, is said to be the world's oldest living oak tree, with an estimated age of around 1670 years.

Traditional Bulgarian Food

• Bulgarian cuisine is representative of eastern European cuisine.
• It shares characteristics with cuisines from other states in the Balkan peninsula, and Bulgarian state culinary traditions are different due to geographical circumstances.
• Bulgaria is known for its high-quality veggies, dairy products, and mild spices.
• The most popular meats are pork and chicken, although shellfish, fish, and veal dishes are also popular, and lamb has a unique place in Bulgarian cuisine.
• Similar to feta, white brine cheese known as sirene is a popular element in salads and a variety of desserts.
• People in Bulgaria like eating and sharing meals with one another. Dinner is the main meal of the day, and it may go well into the night.
• Banitsa is a typical Bulgarian pastry that is formed by stacking filo dough with beaten eggs and chunks of cheese. It is then cooked in the oven until the interior is done and the exterior is crispy.
• Tarator, a delectable cold soup, is one of Bulgarians' favorite dishes, especially in the summer. It is usually served as a starter, but might also be offered as a side dish with the main course.
• Meshana skara, meaning mixed grill in English, is a dish made up of numerous types of grilled meat.
• For meat lovers, Bulgarian sarmi comprises cabbage or vine leaves packed with a delectable blend of rice, spices, and mince; for vegetarians, it's simply rice and spices. This delectable meal is usually served as an appetizer.
• A classic Bulgarian salad composed of diced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers, fresh parsley, and grated white cheese is known as shopska salata or shopska salad.
• Tripe soup is the English equivalent of shkembe. The soup is flavored with garlic, fiery red peppers, and vinegar in addition to tripe.
• The Bulgarian yogurt kiselo mlyako is usually served with Bulgarian traditional dishes. Due to the two types of bacteria it contains, it is considered to be one of the best forms of yogurt available.
• Drob po selski, or village-style liver, is a classic Bulgarian meal created by boiling liver in a clay pottery pot with vegetable pieces and mushrooms.
• Elenski but is a native Bulgarian dry-cured pork product from the town of Elena and its surrounding settlements.
• Oshav is a simple meal of stewed dried fruit such as prunes, apples, and pears that is traditionally served on Christmas Eve in Bulgaria.
• Kazanlak donuts are a delicacy of Kazanlak, a Bulgarian town.
• Cubed pork, tomatoes, dried peppers, and onions make up drusan kebab, a classic Bulgarian meal.
• The traditional Bulgarian meal chushki burek is produced by filling and frying peppers.
• Karnacheta is normally created by putting groundhog meat inside a sheep casing with a blend of traditional Bulgarian spices.
• Kurban chorba is a classic nutritious soup in Bulgaria that is typically served during family gatherings or religious feasts.
• Cozonac is a classic Romanian sweet bread that is typically served on holidays such as Christmas and Easter. The dish is known in Bulgaria as kozunak and is only served for Easter.
• Panagyurska lukanka is a Bulgarian pig and beef sausage. The name Panagyurska comes from Panagyurishte, where it was initially produced.
• Gornooryahovski sudzhuk is a classic Gorna Oryahovitsa sausage. These sausages were also called sara and smarlama.
• The food in Bulgaria is a symbol of southeast European cuisine.
• Salads are frequently served as appetizers in Bulgarian cuisine, which is also known for its abundance of dairy products, wines, and other alcoholic beverages such as rakia.
• Moussaka, gyuvetch, kyufte, and baklava are only a few of the dishes that Bulgarian food has in common with Middle Eastern cuisine.
• A range of soups, like the cold soup tarator, plus pastries, including the filo dough-based banitsa, pita, and several varieties of börek, are also available.
• Holidays are frequently celebrated in combination with certain foods.
• On Christmas Eve, for example, vegetarian stuffed peppers, as well as cabbage leaf sarmi, are a must.
• Traditionally, cabbage dishes are served on New Year's Eve.
• Roast lamb is traditionally served during Gergyovden.
• Bulgarian wine is exported all over the world, and the country shipped the second-largest amount of bottled wine in the world until the '90s.
• Bulgaria produced 220,462 ton (200,000 met ton) of wine per year in 2007, ranking 20th in the world.

Holidays Celebrated In Bulgaria

• Bulgaria, like every other country, is proud of its history and national customs.
• The country commemorates a wide range of holidays, including state-sponsored events that shaped history and religious and national festivals that are part of a centuries ago culture in Bulgaria.
• On March 3, Bulgarian Liberation Day is annually commemorated. This national holiday honors Bulgarian volunteers who fought in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878.
• On the Friday preceding Orthodox Easter Sunday, Orthodox Good Friday is observed. The day before Orthodox Easter is known as Orthodox Holy Saturday. Easter is the most important religious holiday in Bulgaria as well as in the Orthodox Church.
• On May 1, an international holiday called Labor Day is observed. It is most usually connected with commemorating the labor movement's successes.
• On May 6, Bulgarian Army Day is commemorated. Army Day, also known as Saint George's Day, celebrates the patron saint of the Bulgarian military forces, Saint George.
• Unification Day is a Bulgarian official holiday that is always observed on September 6. The merger of Eastern Rumelia with the Principality of Bulgaria this day in 1885 is commemorated by this holiday.
• Known in Bulgaria as Bulgarian Education and Culture, and Slavonic Literature Day, Culture and Literacy Day, or Alphabet Day, this day is observed on May 24 according to the ancient Bulgarian calendar.
• Every year on September 22, Bulgaria commemorates one of its most important events: Bulgaria's independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1908.
• December 24 is known as Christmas Eve. If Christmas Day happens to fall on a weekend, the holiday may be celebrated on a separate day.
• Bulgaria is an Orthodox Christian nation where Christmas is celebrated on December 25.
• Every year on November 1, Bulgarian people commemorate the National Revival Leaders' Day. In the Republic of Bulgaria, it is a national holiday.
• On January 8, Midwives Day, also known as Babinden, is one of the most important female folk festivals, honoring women who assist in childbirth, young brides, and women who have given birth.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Bulgarian culture facts then why not take a look at ancient Indian culture facts or ancient Roman culture facts.