CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS IN BLAGOEVGRAD

 

Blagoevgrad keeps the old traditions and customs, be it the colorful Surva at the beginning of the year, Orata kopata with the big fires or Nikulden with the delicious fish. Here we will tell you when, what and where is happening in the capital of the Southwest.

Surva

On January 1st, Surva turns the neighborhoods and villages around Blagoevgrad into a place of excitement and celebration. Wild, masked performers roam the streets with frightening costumes and entertain the crowds — an unforgettable experience to start the new year. The celebrations end with the Surva procession as the groups gather in the center of Blagoevgrad.

Fearsome Kukeri take over the colorful festivities in the city! 

 

From 10:30 AM: Competition on the main square in front of the theater. 

 

More than 1,000 Kukeri in traditional, hand-carved masks can be seen!

 

Dates

  • In some neighborhoods in Blagoevgrad and in the villages Logodazh, Padesh, Zelen Dol and Leshko: January, 1th. 
  •  In Blagoevgrad, start around 10.30 AM on the Courthouse Square (ul. Todor Aleksandrov), end - on the afternoon on the Theater Square (pl. Georgi Izmirliev): Check for the Date on our Event calender 

Yordanov Day

Soon you will find more information here. 

Dates

  • January, 6th, 10.30 am in Blagoevgrad, Breach in front of the Opera Square (Pl. Makedonia) 

Sv. Haralampii

 Every year on the 10th of February, the oldest church in Blagoevgrad, the Church of the Introduction of the Virgin in the Old Town, is filled with people. On this day, St. Charalampius, the patron saint of beekeepers, is honored.

 

On long tables arranged in the shape of a cross, people place the brought jars of honey that they have produced themselves, label them and attach a church candle to them. The moment when all the candles light up and form a fiery cross is impressive. Consecrated honey is taken home and brings health and luck to the house. 

Dates

  • February, 10th., Church of the Introduction of the Virgin, Благоевград

Trifon Zarezan

Soon you will find more information here. 

 

Date: 

  • Febr. 14th (new calender) or Febr. 1th (old calender)

Orata kopata / Sirni zagovezni

Soon you will find more information here. 

 

Date: 

  • 2026 - February, 22th.
  • 2027 - March, 14th. 
  • 2028 - February, 27th. 
  • 2029 - February, 18th.
  • 2030 - March, 10th.

Flower Day / Palm Sunday

Soon you will find more information here. 


Easter

Dates: 

  • 2026 - April, 12th
  • 2027 - May, 2th
  • 2028 - April, 16th
  • 2029 - April, 8th
  • 2030 - April, 28th

Cherry Souls’ Sunday (Черешова задушница)

 

Dates:

  • June 7, 2025

  • May 30, 2026

  • June 19, 2027

  • June 3, 2028

  • May 26, 2029


Archangels’ Commemoration Day (Aрхангелова задушница)

Dates: 

  • November 1th, 2025

  • November 7th, 2026

  • November 6th, 2027

  • November 4th, 2028

  • November 3th, 2029


St. Nicholas Day

 

Date: 

  • December, 6th.

Christmas

 

Dates: 

  • 25./26.12.2025

What else to do in Blagoevgrad?

  • Blagoevgrad with a local guide - See here the different guided tours that you can visit.
  • Mountain routes - Blagoevgrad is nestled in the skirts of Rila and you can touch the mountain without having to get in a car. Take a look at our proposals for a walk through the forest, tours start from the city center. 
  • Trekking/Running/Mountain Biking - The more sporty of you can explore several trekking routes in the area. For the most sporty, we have ideas for mountain runs or bike rides. 
  • Two days in Blagoevgrad - If you stay more than one day in the city, see our ideas for Two days in Blagoevgrad. 
  • Blagoevgrad with children - Blagoevgrad has a lot to offer the little ones. Families with children are welcome! 
  • In the area - Do not miss to explore the wonderful places around Blagoevgrad.