Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

It is Enyovden (Midsummer)

Photo: BGNES-archive

Enyovden (Midsummer's Day) is one of the most beloved holidays in the folk calendar of Bulgarians, which has deep roots in our traditions, thinking, and beliefs. It has a fixed date - always it is marked on June 24. It is also called St. John of the Summer, because on the same date the Orthodox Church honours the birth of St. John the Baptist.

According to popular belief, on Midsummer's Day the path of the sun from winter to summer ends and it takes the opposite course - from summer to winter. And on the night before the holiday the skies open, the stars descend to the earth and enchant grasses and flowers, giving them a healing power. The waters are also granted , because the sun bathes for the last time before it sets. That is why even today, in the early morning of Midsummer's Day, people ritually bathe in rivers and lakes.


The holiday was once accompanied by special songs for every moment of the practiced rituals and ceremonies - from gathering herbs in the early morning, to the singing of folk songs and the cheerful youth jokes at dusk.

More about them in Radio Bulgaria’s Editor’s picks.




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Zahari Stoyanov Youth Center in Dobrich

Folklore meeting in Bulgaria's Dobrich brings together different communities for the International Day of Tolerance

The Youth Centre "Zahari Stoyanov" in the town of Dobrich, Northeastern Bulgaria, is organizing a folklore meeting of communities on the occasion of the International Day of Tolerance. The aim of the event, which will take place from today to 17..

published on 11/15/24 6:10 AM

Bulgarian dance group Vito Horo takes part in multicultural women’s festival Harmony of Colours in Perth

The Bulgarian folklore dance group Vito Horo from Perth will take part in the multicultural women’s festival Harmony of Colours, taking place tonight in the Australian city, the Bulgarian association Rodina has announced. Besides the Bulgarian..

published on 10/12/24 11:54 AM

Urban aesthetics and maritime livelihood – life in the ancient city of Anhialo

The resort towns along Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast can be broadly categorized into two types: modern ones, characterized by their lively and colorful streets, and port cities with a rich history. Various settlers have passed through these port towns,..

published on 9/2/24 8:25 AM