Bulgaria

Bulgaria : Public Holidays and Bank Holidays 2025 2026 2027

Public Holidays in Bulgaria

Bulgaria's public holidays reflect the nation's rich history, cultural heritage, and Orthodox Christian traditions. These days are marked by various celebrations, commemorations, and family gatherings. Many holidays are rooted in historical events that shaped Bulgarian national identity, while others observe religious customs and seasonal changes.

• New Year's Day
  Origin: Marks the beginning of the new year according to the Gregorian calendar.
  Date: January 1
  Observance: Public holiday with celebrations including fireworks, family meals, and traditional rituals to bring luck.

• Liberation Day
  Origin: Commemorates Bulgaria's liberation from Ottoman rule in 1878.
  Date: March 3
  Observance: Official ceremonies, laying wreaths at monuments, and patriotic events throughout the country.

• Good Friday
  Origin: Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
  Date: Varies each year (Friday before Easter)
  Observance: Religious services, fasting, and reflection by Bulgarian Orthodox Christians.

• Holy Saturday
  Origin: The day before Easter Sunday, commemorating Jesus lying in the tomb.
  Date: Varies each year
  Observance: Preparation for Easter celebrations, attending church services, and lighting candles in the evening.

• Easter
  Origin: Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the most significant Orthodox Christian festival.
  Date: Varies each year (Usually April/May)
  Observance: Church services, family feasts, egg decorating, and traditional games like egg tapping.

• Labor Day and International Workers' Solidarity Day
  Origin: Celebrates workers and the labor movement worldwide.
  Date: May 1
  Observance: Public holiday involving parades, demonstrations, and family outings.

• Saint George's Day (Day of the Bulgarian Army)
  Origin: Honors Saint George, patron saint of soldiers and a symbol of bravery.
  Date: May 6
  Observance: Military parades, religious services, and celebrations of the Bulgarian Army.

• Day of Slavonic Alphabet, Bulgarian Enlightenment and Culture
  Origin: Celebrates the creation of the Cyrillic alphabet and the cultural heritage of Bulgaria.
  Date: May 24
  Observance: Cultural events, award ceremonies, and school celebrations.

• Unification Day
  Origin: Commemorates the unification of Eastern Rumelia and the Principality of Bulgaria in 1885.
  Date: September 6
  Observance: Official speeches, patriotic events, and historical reenactments.

• Independence Day
  Origin: Marks Bulgaria's declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1908.
  Date: September 22
  Observance: National celebrations, military parades, and official ceremonies.

• Christmas Eve
  Origin: The evening before Christmas, marking the birth of Jesus Christ.
  Date: December 24
  Observance: Traditional dinner without meat, including 7-9 vegetarian dishes symbolizing the months of the year.

• Christmas Day
  Origin: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
  Date: December 25
  Observance: Church services, family gatherings, gift-giving, and festive meals.

• Christmas Day (observed)
  Origin: Additional day to extend Christmas celebrations.
  Date: December 26
  Observance: Continued festivities and family activities.

Site officiel de référence

• Government of Bulgaria - Official portal
  (Provides official information about public holidays and national events)