It’s Grandmother March Day in Bulgaria. March 1st is the Baba Marta holiday in Bulgaria. For the next few days, everyone we meet in Bulgaria will give and receive red and white trinkets, called Martenitsi. They are often in the form of bracelets or a pair of dolls, which you attach to your clothes.
So how long to people celebrate Grandmother March? People wear martenitsi until they see a stork or a tree in blossom – either of these mark the arrival of spring. Baba Marta is a mythical figure who brings the end of winter and the start of spring. She is a strong woman who must be kept happy. This is done by observing the traditions of the day. Many people have tied Martenitsi on the trees in the campsite. They give good luck to the tree on which they are placed. Fortunately for the camping site and customers this ensures a full and happy plum harvest again this season !
Find more information about Grandmother March Day in Bulgaria here.
Other celebration days coming soon are 3rd March and Women’s Day.