A Guide to Bulgarian Culture and Food

Bulgaria is a beautiful country that offers a wide range of tourist attractions, from its pristine beaches to its ancient culture. Aside from its natural beauty, the country is also famous for its wines and culinary delights. The country is a member of the European Union, which means that it is part of a larger network of cultural and economic cooperation. In addition, it is home to some of the most beautiful and well-preserved ancient Thracian ruins in Europe.

The country is a predominantly Christian nation, with 80% of its population following Christianity. The religion is a major part of everyday life, and the national holidays are celebrated with religious fervor and joy. One of the biggest Bulgarian celebrations is National Cyrillic Alphabet Day, which is on May 24th and commemorates the brothers Cyril and Methodius who created the Cyrillic alphabet. The holiday is marked with festivals and cultural events that showcase Bulgaria’s history and the importance of literacy.

When presenting a gift in Bulgaria, it is customary to offer it with both hands. The recipient will usually open the gift immediately upon receiving it and should express gratitude for the thoughtfulness of the gesture. It is also polite to say thank you if someone invites you into their home.

Bulgarians are known for their hospitality and are always happy to welcome visitors. They are very curious about the lives of people from other countries and will ask many questions. Be sure to be ready with answers! Bulgarians are also very tactile-they often hug or kiss when greeting friends and family members. Physical space is also less important in this culture-children are often told to “look at me” when being reprimanded, as it is considered harder to tell a lie when one looks the other person in the eye.

One of the most popular Bulgarian foods is tarator, which is a refreshing cold soup made with cucumbers, garlic, dill, fresh herbs, Bulgarian yogurt, and walnuts. It is a very light dish, which makes it perfect for summer! Another favorite is mekitsa, a simple fried doughnut that can be filled with savory or sweet ingredients. Lastly, revane is a sweet semolina cake that is soaked in syrup. It is similar to Egypt’s basbousa, but it has a different recipe.