Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday in Bulgaria, known as "Velikden" (Великден), is one of the most significant and cherished holidays in the country, celebrated with deep religious and cultural traditions. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is a time of joy, family gatherings, and spiritual reflection. The holiday is observed according to the Eastern Orthodox calendar, often differing from the Western Easter date. Preparations for Easter begin with the Great Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and prayer. On Easter Sunday, Bulgarians attend midnight church services, where the priest announces "Christ is Risen!" ("Христос Воскресе!"), and the congregation responds with "Indeed, He is Risen!" ("Воистина Воскресе!"). The lighting of candles symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. A central tradition is the cracking of brightly painted eggs, with the first egg being red to symbolize Christ's blood. The person holding the uncracked egg is believed to have good luck for the year. Families gather for festive meals featuring special dishes like "kozunak" (a sweet bread) and roasted lamb, symbolizing Christ's sacrifice. Easter in Bulgaria is a blend of religious reverence, family bonding, and cultural heritage, making it a deeply meaningful and joyous occasion for all.