New Year's Day, celebrated on January 1st, is a national holiday in Bulgaria similar to many other countries worldwide. This day is an emblem of starting anew, with many Bulgarians taking the time to set fresh goals, make promises for the coming year, and generally put the past year's struggles and triumphs behind them. It is a time of renewal, of family gatherings, and of hopeful anticipation for the future.
Bulgarians celebrate New Year's Day with a blend of both modern and traditional practices. Fireworks and festive concerts light up the night as the clock strikes midnight, signifying the arrival of the new year. It's also common to exchange gifts, especially between children and their godparents. Traditional food plays a significant part too, with families gathering around to enjoy banitsa— a cheese-filled pastry which is customarily baked with hidden charms that predict the year ahead for those who find them in their slice.
One of the unique Bulgarian traditions associated with New Year's Day is the kukeri dance. Men dress up in handmade costumes, often representing beasts, and wear masks with scary faces. The goal of the kukeri dance is to chase away the evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year. While these practices are becoming increasingly rare, especially in urban areas, they provide a connection to Bulgaria's rich cultural history and add an intriguing twist to New Year's festivities.