Bulgarian is a very rich and complex language. It has three grammatical genders (masculine, feminine, and neuter), five cases, two aspects, and a verb system that produces many different formations. These linguistic elements combine to make Bulgarian a very dynamic and expressive language.

The main religion is Christianity – most Bulgarians are Orthodox Christians and the majority of their holidays revolve around family and church events. The major holidays are Christmas, Easter and Liberation Day. The country also celebrates several other holidays, including Culture and Literacy Day, Reunification Day, and Independence Day.

Local foods are plentiful and diverse in Bulgaria, from the hearty sarma to the tangy kozunakand, which is a traditional Easter bread. The sarma dish is made from rolled cabbage or vine leaves filled with minced meat and rice, then poached and served with a tomato sauce on top. Another common dish is supa topcheta, which is a hearty winter soup with meatballs, carrots, celery, and onions.

A common sight in the restaurant scene is a big platter of appetizers, which are eaten as a shared meal called mezze. There might be a selection of salads and spreads like tarama, hummus, or tatyrka, along with grilled meats like kebapche and nadenitsa (stuffed pork sausage). A must try is the smoky grilled eggplant with feta cheese, paprika, and onion.

Rakia is the traditional drink of choice in Bulgaria, and it can be distilled from a variety of fruits and herbs to produce a wide range of flavors. It can be consumed cold or warm, and is often mulled with spices in the winter. It is very strong and should be sipped with caution!

Table manners in Bulgaria are generally relaxed, but there are a few rules that should be observed. Tearing a piece of bread and eating it with your fingers is fine, but dipping and sopping bread in a dip or gravy should be done with a fork. Also, it is rude to speak loudly or slurp your food in public.

Bulgarians are very family oriented, and the old folklore is still a vital part of their lives. Legends are passed on between generations, and stories are told about the venerable witch Baba Marta who was said to wander around people’s houses in the spring cleaning season, sweeping their floors to rid them of all bad luck.

Bulgarians love giving gifts to friends and family. It is considered inappropriate to give a gift that is too expensive, but the thought behind the present is always appreciated. When visiting someone in their home, it is customary to bring flowers or a bottle of rakia. However, it is advisable to avoid chrysanthemums or lilies as these are used for funerals. A more appropriate gift is a bottle of wine or a local beer. Bulgarian beers are inexpensive and come in a wide array of flavors.