Bulgarian Celebrations And Treats

Holidays in Bulgaria are a reflection of ancient traditions and beliefs of the people who live in this area of ​​the Balkan Peninsula. Not the last place in these celebrations belongs to delicious treats.

Christmas

Christmas culinary traditions in Bulgaria date back to the 9th century, when Orthodoxy was recognized as the official state religion throughout the country.

On the eve of Christmas, on Christmas Eve, which in Bulgaria has several names at once - Poor Man's Eve, Mala Kolyada, Sukha Kolyada, Mali Bozhich or Krachun, Bulgarian Christians gather around a big festive table.

It should be noted that a 40-day fast is observed before this holiday . That is why Bulgarians always had light dishes on their festive table on Christmas Eve .

First of all, these were vegetables and fruits, nuts, honey and dry wine, as well as dried fruit drinks. On this evening, Bulgarian housewives tried to make all possible dishes from traditional products.

These include stuffed peppers, rice with mushrooms, various variations of cooking wheat and beans, sarmi with rice, and the like. In addition, traditional dishes appeared on the table this evening - banitsa with cheese, or pumpkin and sugar stuffing. Housewives put coins, dogwood twigs, leaves with wishes for health and happiness in the festive banitsa.

It is also important that Bulgarians always put an odd number of dishes on the table at Bydna dinner . Usually it is 7, 9 or 11 dishes, there can be more - the number is unlimited.

Previously, every Christian family in Bulgaria prepared ritual bread, which was specially decorated. In addition, according to beliefs, ritual dishes were placed on a floor covered with straw and a tablecloth. It was believed that the souls of deceased relatives came to the house on Christmas Eve, and the ritual food was intended for them.

Christmas comes at night - a festive service in churches, and then two days of festivities at "meat" tables with Christmas carols (an analogue of our Christmas carols). It's funny that these days Bulgarians have a tradition of not cleaning anything from the table - not dirty dishes, but festive food and decorations. So that everyone who visits the house can enjoy a treat and meet the bright Nativity of Christ together with a hospitable family.

New Year

New Year in Bulgaria is loved no less than Christmas, and New Year's traditions are very similar to ours, albeit with a local flavor. On this night, it is customary to have dinner with the family, walk the streets, and on vacation go to local ski resorts or just visit.

The New Year's table in Bulgaria is usually rich, housewives work on it for more than one day. It is considered a good omen when there are 12 different dishes on the table - as are the months of the year. It is ideal if they are all from different national cuisines. Bulgarian cuisine combines various culinary traditions, from Italian to Turkish, so for experienced housewives this is usually not a problem.

Traditionally, the table includes: kalama (meat stewed with sauerkraut), telbukh soup, moussaka (meat and vegetable casserole), fried fish, traditional banitsu pie and chocolate cake for dessert. Several coins are usually baked into the cake. Those who get them will be successful in financial matters in the new year. Champagne is usually drunk on New Year's Eve (though only at midnight), as well as homemade wines and rakia.

Almost every Bulgarian family puts on the table for Christmas and New Year:

• Banitsa - this Bulgarian cake is prepared here both with and without a reason. Tasty and hearty banitsa has many cooking options.

• Sarmi - this Bulgarian dish is most often prepared in winter or early spring. Cabbage or grape leaves are wrapped with rice, onions, lean meat or dried fruits instead of meat.

• Pork is a traditional recipe familiar to everyone. Roast pork or steak is best enjoyed with a glass of excellent red Bulgarian dry wine.

• Baked pumpkin - served for dessert. With honey, walnuts, spices - it's actually very, very tasty.

• Pickling - a variety of salads that housewives prepared back in the summer. There are many variations, and this list is not limited to salted tomatoes and cucumbers. Bulgarian rakia, cognac or whiskey are perfect for salty Bulgarian vegetables.