Holy Saturday

**Holy Saturday in Bulgaria** is a significant day in the Orthodox Christian calendar, marking the final day of Holy Week and the eve of Easter Sunday. It is a time of reflection, anticipation, and preparation for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Bulgaria, this day is deeply rooted in religious traditions and cultural practices. On Holy Saturday, Bulgarians attend church services, where the atmosphere is solemn yet hopeful. The midnight liturgy is particularly important, as it culminates in the proclamation of Christ's resurrection. At the stroke of midnight, church bells ring out, and the faithful exchange the traditional Easter greeting, *"Christ is risen!"* (*"Христос воскресе!"*), to which the response is *"Indeed, He is risen!"* (*"Воистина воскресе!"*). A key tradition on Holy Saturday is the preparation of Easter bread, known as *kozunak*, and the coloring of eggs, especially the first egg, which is dyed red to symbolize the blood of Christ. The red egg is kept until the next Easter as a symbol of good luck and protection. Families also prepare festive meals, including roasted lamb, to be shared on Easter Sunday. Holy Saturday in Bulgaria is a day of spiritual renewal, family bonding, and the joyful anticipation of Easter, blending religious devotion with cherished cultural customs.