I am going to introduce the « Trifon Zarézan » a Bulgarian tradition which celebrates the wine festival the February 14th.
More famous than the Valentine’s Day, this celebration starts the new season of viniculture.
The ritual
Early in the morning the housewife prepares breads and stuffed chicken for the men who takes wine then go to the vineyard dressed with traditional costume.
Once in the vineyard, mens cut 3 different branches, make the sign of the cross, spill wine on these branches, remake the sign of the cross before spilling the wine again but on the plants.
Then everyone resembles each other to chose the king of wines and start the festivities.
The king of wine
The king wears 2 crowns, one on the head and another on the shoulders. The king and the winegrowers parade in the streets drinking wines, praying and dancing.
I’ve choose to begin the topic of customs by this celebration because according to our flight we could have a real chance to participate to this.
Sources : La-bulgarie.fr
Bulgaria tourism 