
Roma people from Varna will certainly make the best of their celebrations at Bango Vasillii holiday, which marks Roma’s New Year. Photo by bulphoto.com
Bulgaria's Roma population marks Saturday, January 14, the New Year.
Celebrated under the old-time Gregorian calendar, Roma's New Year is also known as Vassilitsa or Bango Vassilii (the Lame Bango).
According to Roma traditions, Bango Vassillii is a protector of Roma, as had rebuild the bridge for Roma to go ahead after the devil ruined it.
There are some 800,000 Roma people living in Bulgaria.
January 14 is celebrated as New Year also by Serbians, Macedonians and Russians whose Churches still follow the Gregorian calendar.