Kalofer

The town of Kalofer witnessed a breathtaking display of tradition as hundreds of men immersed themselves in the icy waters of the river Tunja to perform the traditional Bulgarian 'horo'. Draped in folk attire and proudly waving the national flag, the men joyously danced to the tunes of drums and bagpipes, accompanied by a resonating folk melody.

January 6 marks Epiphany, known as "Yordanovden" or Jordan's Day in Bulgaria, a vibrant celebration deeply rooted in the country's cultural fabric. This cherished festival embraces water blessings and age-old rituals, symbolizing purification and prosperity.

The 175th anniversary of the birth of revolutionary poet Hristo Botev will be celebrated on January 6 across the country with rituals with the participation of representative units from the Ground Forces, the Air Force, the Navy, the Joint Special Operations Command, and the National Guard.

On January 6, Bulgarians celebrate Epiphany or St. Jordan's Day (Yordanovden) - one of the biggest Christian holidays in the Bulgarian calendar.

Hristo Botev is one of the brightest figures in Bulgarian history - a great national hero and revolutionary who dedicated his life to the freedom of our country. We also know Botev as a publicist and poet with amazing works that to this day touch our hearts and which Bulgarians recite by heart.

Across Bulgaria, sirens will sound for two minutes at noon on 2 June 2021 in an annual custom honouring the memory of revolutionary, poet and rebel Hristo Botev, who died in 1876 in the struggle against Ottoman rule, as well as in tribute to all who died for the freedom of Bulgaria.

Today marks 173 years since the birth of Hristo Botev.

A garland of glory will be laid in front of the monument of the great Bulgarian poet and revolutionary in his hometown of Kalofer. The solemn ceremony will begin with a military ritual from the yard of the Hristo Botev National Museum.

Dozens of men set foot in the waters of Tundzha river in Kalofer for the traditional ritual of saving the cross, and to play the famous male ethnic dance of the Epiphany.

Due to the pandemic, there was no official organization, but many people gathered to follow tradition. Law enforcement forces tried to stop the dance, but it still happened.

In North Macedonia, the Christmas celebrations began on January 5, the night before Christmas Eve, with bonfire nights organised across the country. This one took place in the capital, Skopje. Photo: EPA-EFE/GEORGI LICOVSKI

On January 6, Bulgaria marks 172 years since the birth of the Bulgarian poet and revolutionary Hristo Botev. Celebrations will take place across the country, BNT reported.