Nestled in the heart of Eastern Europe, Bulgaria boasts a rich tapestry of traditions that come alive during Easter. It’s a celebration cherished by both the devout and the secular. Among the many regions that honor these traditions, the Varna region, with its vibrant culture and deep-rooted customs, offers a captivating glimpse into Bulgarian Easter festivities. From the bustling city of Varna to the serene shores of Golden Sands, let’s embark on a journey to discover the unique traditions of this enchanting region.

Easter Eggs: Symbolism and Rituals In Bulgaria

Easter eggs hold profound symbolism, representing new life, rebirth, and the arrival of spring. The process of decorating eggs, is a cherished tradition passed down through generations. Intricately designed patterns, often using wax and natural dyes, adorn these eggs, each carrying its own significance. In the Varna region, families gather to dye eggs in vibrant hues, creating a kaleidoscope of colors that adorn Easter tables and festive displays.

Traditional Foods: A Feast for the Senses

No Bulgarian Easter celebration is complete without a sumptuous feast, brimming with traditional delicacies that tantalize the taste buds. From savory dishes to sweet treats, the culinary offerings of the Varna region reflect centuries of culinary heritage. “Kozunak,” a sweet bread enriched with eggs and butter, takes center stage, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. Paired with “kozunak,” you’ll often find “kurban,” a succulent roasted lamb or goat, symbolizing the sacrificial lamb of Easter.

Religious Observances: Faith and Fellowship

For many Bulgarians, Easter is a time of spiritual reflection and religious observance. Orthodox Christians attend church services throughout Holy Week, culminating in the midnight liturgy on Easter Sunday. In the Varna region, the faithful flock to historic churches and monasteries, such as the iconic Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral in Varna city, to partake in ancient rituals and solemn ceremonies. The echoing chants of “Christos voskrese!” (Christ is risen!) fill the air, signaling the joyous proclamation of Easter morning.

Traditions: Past and Present

While rooted in ancient customs, Bulgarian Easter traditions continue to evolve, blending the old with the new. In the Varna region, modern festivities complement age-old practices, offering a dynamic cultural experience for locals and visitors alike. From lively folk performances to colorful Easter markets, the spirit of celebration permeates every corner of the region. Families gather for picnics in the scenic countryside or enjoy leisurely strolls along the picturesque shores of Golden Sands, savoring the joys of springtime renewal.

As Easter dawns in the Varna region of Bulgaria, the air is filled with anticipation and reverence, as traditions old and new converge to celebrate this joyous occasion. From the vibrant hues of decorated eggs to the aroma of freshly baked bread. Every aspect of the festivities embodies the rich cultural heritage of the region. Whether partaking in religious observances or simply reveling in the company of loved ones, Easter in the Varna region is a time of unity, reflection, and renewal, inviting all to experience the beauty of Bulgarian culture in full bloom.

St. Petka church

The orthodox church of St. Petka is located in the Varna centre and very close to the Sea Garden. The construction of the church with its full name of “St. Paraskeva Petka” started in 1901. The stone sanctified from metropolitan Simeon from the first sod of the church is still standing. Finished in 1906 the church was sanctified from Bishop Yosif. History doesn’t remember where the funds for the construction of the church came from. It is speculated that it came from donations by wealthy individuals at the time.

Unlike most churches in Varna, the St. Petka church was never demolished. It was pictured for the first time only in 1973 as until then as most churches it had welcomed its visitors with white walls. The artists Dimitar Bakalski and Sergey Rostovtsev created the images of the saints over the course of a year. The mandatory church ornaments were created by the painter Alexander Sorokin. History also is silent regarding the date of the first service given in the church.

Symbolism and recent history

The eternal battle between good and evil is the main scene in the iconostasis of the church. The two dragons, with their heads bowed down in front of the cross and dove, symbol of the Holy spirit are imagined as proof of the justice and kindness of god. In 1928 an additional space was built into the church which is used in modern times as a baptism hall. Until 1945 it was primarily used as a kitchen for the poor. Food was given to orphans and even families of refugees from the war.

If you wish to visit the St. Petka church and take a stroll around the Varna centre you can take advantage of My Rent a Car by getting a car of your choosing anywhere from Varna Airport, the centre itself, Golden Sands, St. St. Constantine and Helena, Sunny day or other points within Varna.

On the territory where the “Euxinograd” residency stands today, just outside of the main road connecting the Varna centre to St.St. Constantine and Helena, Golden Sands, Albena and Kranevo a small port settlement had emerged. It stood over the small cape “St. Yani” during the late antiquity (4th-5th century AD). During the Middle ages it turned into a city that developed maritime trade and movement. This is why the city is marked on a lot of maritime maps from the 14th until the 18th century, even though it had ceased existing in the last two centuries. Allegedly after the 15th century the only remnants of the city were only the port and a small fortification. The names with which the town was marked on maps were Kastritsa, Katritsi, Katrichi, Ketritsi, etc. all of which originated from the Greek word “castro”, meaning “fortress”. Today it’s know as the Kastritsi fortress.

Research of the Kastritsi fortress

In 1899 Karel Skorpil started the first research of the Kastritsi fortress. Despite that more data for the scheme of the medieval fortified town date from the period 2004-2011, when yearly excavations were done under the leadership of prof. Dr. Valentin Pletniov. He is the director of the Regional historical museum of Varna. A big part of the north wall which is over 200 metres long was revealed and is preserved with a height of about 3 metres. Around it there are 5 circular towers with a diameter of about three and a half metres. Towards the eastern end a single rectangular tower was built and on top of it an Ottoman style triangular one. In that zone of the city a second thinner wall was found which suggests that the small town area was surrounded by the two walls which probably belonged to the citadel. 

In the corner between the western and northern walls, where a circular tower once stood, a four-wall dungeon was built. It was later fortified from all ends with an outside stone casing. It’s possible that the case was planned to defend it from artillery fire and it dates from the 15th century. During that time the fortress was still considered valuable for the Ottoman defence of the Black Sea coast. The dungeon itself however was pre-ottoman as the lower level has remains of wall writing which suggests that a chapel once stood there.

Preserved parts

Some of the town’s web of streets is preserved as well as a church, a few inns, the town centre as well as some residential buildings. The items found within the town include coins from as late as the reign of emir Suleiman, which were minted in 1404. 

If you wish to visit the Kastritsi fortress you can take advantage of My Rent a Car by getting a car of your choosing anywhere from Varna Airport, the centre itself, Golden Sands, St. St. Constantine and Helena, Sunny day or other points within Varna.