TRADITIONAL FEASTS AND CUSTOMS IN THE REGION OF SIMITLI
The Babugeruvane custom
It is a masquerade custom, which has been left over from the Thracian ages. It finds expression in mummer’s games meant to chase away the evil and provide health and fertility. It is celebrated on January 1 in the bigger villages of the municipality of Simitli and in the town of Simitli where the custom is also celebrated on January 14. It is marked by a review of the municipality and a competition. The custom is strongly modified and it has lost its authenticity to a great extent.
Easter Assembly
The Easter Assembly is a great Christian feast, connected to the Resurrection of the Christ. It is marked by a holiday liturgy, a competition for the most beautifully coloured egg (an Easter egg) and a folklore programme. Traditional round loafs are kneaded and eggs are painted on this feast. It is celebrated in the end of April and the beginning of May.
Gathering on the Christian feast “Virgin Mary’s Day”
The gathering on the “Virgin Mary’s Day” is a great Christian feast, connected to the Birth of Christ. It is celebrated on September 8 by festive liturgy and folklore programme.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
All Christian villages in the municipality celebrate these feasts on December 24-25. Christmas Eve is celebrated with a family dinner with traditional meatless dishes and round loaf with fortune slips in it. Christmas Day is marked by a festive liturgy and visits to the relatives.
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