Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria celebrate the day of the Holy Cross on September 14, which is said to spell the end of the summer and the settling of the autumn.

Every year thousands of pilgrims flock on this day to Krustova Gora (the Cross Forest), where a piece of the crucifixion cross is believed to have been buried.

Located 45 kilometers south of Assenovgrad, in the proximity of the town of Luki in the Rhodope Mountains, Krustova Gora is one of the most revered Christian holy places in Bulgaria. Truly religious people believe that if someone overnights there, the man will be cured, if ill.

The folk calendar says that starting from September 14 people get ready for the grape harvest. They repair the hoops of the kegs in which the wine will be poured, the wheelbarrow to carry the grapes and the vessel to press it. That is why in some places the Holy Cross Day is called "Grape-picker".

Krastovden is also a name day for many Bulgarians called: Krastyo, Krastina, Kristian, Kristina, Krastilena, Krastena, Krastan, Kana, Kancho, Stavri.

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