New Year's Day 2025
Date: January 1, 2025 (Wednesday)
Country: Bulgaria Public Holidays
Description
New Year is the celebration of the first day of the calendar year. In Bulgaria people celebrate with joy, songs, and parties. It marks a fresh start when families and friends wish each other good luck and health for the year ahead.
New Year takes place on January 1. It is a public holiday, so schools and many businesses are closed. People often stay up late on New Year Eve, watching fireworks, listening to music, and counting down to midnight. Television shows and concerts are popular that night.
The day is important because it brings hope and new plans. People exchange greetings like Chestita Nova Godina to wish happiness. Traditional foods and gatherings help families feel close and ready to begin the new year together.
Traditions
Bulgarians celebrate New Year with family, food, music and fireworks. People stay up until midnight, toast with champagne or rakia, and wish each other zdravets meaning health and good luck for the year ahead.
On New Year morning children perform survachane. They gently tap parents and relatives with a decorated stick called survachka to bring health, wealth and happiness. Hosts give sweets, small money or fruit in return.
A lucky coin is often baked inside banitsa. Finding the coin promises good fortune. In some regions masked kukeri processions and noisy, costume parades chase away evil spirits, especially in villages in the southwest and Rhodope mountains.
Travel Tips
On New Year many banks and some shops are closed, but restaurants, bars, and big shopping malls stay open. Public transport can run less often, and airports and trains are busy. Cities have fireworks and public parties in the evening.
Book trains, buses, and restaurants early. Carry some cash, dress warmly, and keep valuables secure in crowds. Watch fireworks from a safe spot and follow police instructions. Join local celebrations respectfully and enjoy folk music and customs for a meaningful experience.