You will find them in the beauty of our handcrafts, in the melody and incredible voices of the Bulgarian folk songs, in the numerous myths and legends told all over the country, in the traditional dances and celebrations, in the very names of the regions, cultural monuments and areas in the country.

You will hear them in the unique rhythm, melody and harmony of the Bulgarian folk songs and chants; your heart will sense them in the merry and healthy joy-de-vivre atmosphere of the rites and celebrations. You will discern them in the everlasting beauty of the handicrafts, finely woven in the ceramic vignettes and wood carvings, colorful rugs and hammered copper-ware. The unique folklore and lifestyle diversity that still astounds the specialists is based on the traditions of Thracians, Slavs and proto-Bulgarians.  You will find them in the exquisite taste of Bulgarian cuisine and in the fine aroma of Bulgarian wines.

    Information about customs in Bulgaria: 

Sourvakars – Boys going from house to house, wishing people a Happy New Year by slapping them ritually with an ornamented twig for health and prosperity.

Martyr Triffon Zarezan (Pruner) – Vine-dresses’ day – first pruning of the vines.

Saturday of Lazarus – Dancing to the accompaniment of ritual songs for the Day – a ritual dedicated to the fields, pastures, forests and young girls: Lazarki, performed for health, happiness and fertility.

Rose day – Celebrates the start of rose-picking.

Nestinars – A ritual dance on live coal (fire dancing).

Traditional folk fairs in Koprivshtitza, Shiroka Laka, Rozhen, Predela, as well as numerous festivals across the country, dedicated to folklore, and presenting authentic Bulgarian folklore.

Name Days are celebrated in addition to birthdays. A Name Day is celebrated by people whose name is derived from that of a Saint's Day being celebrated. The person having a Name Day usually brings confectionery to the office for colleagues to share. Bulgarian tradition is that one may call uninvited on a person celebrating a Name Day, to wish them well.

Wedding bands are worn on the right hand, not the left as in the West.

When Bulgarians nod their heads up and down, they mean NO. When they move their heads from side to side, they mean YES.