Bulgarians Celebrate their Love of Wine and Each Other

Society | February 14, 2007, Wednesday // 00:00

Bulgaria has been marking two holidays on February 14 since the fall of communism in the late eighties, when the day of the sweethearts came to the country.

Previously completely ignored by lovebirds in the Balkan country, St. Valentine's Day enjoyed escalating popularity over the years of Bulgaria's transition to Western-like lifestyle.

Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages across catholic countries and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.

As lovers celebrate St Valentine's Day, many Bulgarians insist February 14 should be reserved for a traditional Bulgarian celebration - the feast of St. Trifon "Zarezan", the patron of vine growing and wine producing.

At the St. Trifon Zarezan day the Bulgarians pay tribute to the vine, grapes and wine. It offers a nice alternative to those who don't have a loved one to share the holiday with, but can still find a reason to celebrate. Drowning one's sorrow in wine at the sight of the sea of hearts and teddy bears has become somewhat of a cure for the brokenhearted, who tend to get depressed come February 14.

The professional holiday of vine-growers and wine-makers has been officially celebrated since 1962. When the Gregorian Calendar was officially introduced by the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in 1968, the church services moved to February 1, but the Day of Vine and Wine is still commemorated on February 14.

According to old traditions, the culmination is the moment of choosing the "king of the vines" - usually a diligent vine-grower, who is thus said to sweep all good luck. This year's holiday, however will be the first vine-growers spend on the streets protesting rakia excise taxes instead of cutting the vines.

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