bulgarian spring custom lazaruvane

Lazaruvane is among the most poetic and

beautiful maiden festivals dedicated to flowers,

love and fertility.

L A Z A R U V A N E

According to the Bulgarian folk tradition, this is the day when adolescent girls transform into marriageable girls. It is known as Lazaruvane.

L A Z A R U V A N E

The presentation is made by Diana Atanasova

Translation: by Iliyana Panayotova

Secondary school Vasil Levski – Haskovo, Bulgaria

Young women aged between 10 and 16 years break off green willow branches, dress in

festive clothes, decorating with wreaths and bunches of flowers.

In hands the girls carry baskets decorated with greenery collection of gifts.

R i t u a l

Farmers give girls with eggs, flowers, money and walnuts - a symbol of life.

During the day the girls go to houses and gardens,

wishing the hosts health and prosperity.

R i t u a l

The girls sing songs, accompanied by ritual dances with love nature.

R i t u a l

The girls played their dance called “buenek”.

Folklore dance - horo

Girls go to the river and run along their garlands

from flowers. Lads catch the flower wreaths.

The girl, whose wreath is the first,

will marry the first during the year.

At the end of the day the girls say

goodbye to their childhood and can

prepare for a wedding.

…because thе girl

that was Lazarka, can

marry now!

L A Z A R U V A N E

On stage:

Lazaruvane tradition performance