Just as Easter this year coincided both the faiths of both Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Churches, people of all ages gathered on Sunday on a ruse to celebrate together the resurrection of Christ, a unique co-celebration.
Although most Bulgarians identify as Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholicism is a minority religion. The latter usually celebrates Easter a few days before Orthodox Christians, but the dates often match. Christians from both groups gather in their own unique time since 2001.
Hundreds of dancers and citizens participated in folk line dances performed in circles and chains.
One of the dancers explained the importance of keeping tradition alive. “The Bulgarian spirit, very important, it’s our tradition and it’s very important to observe each time,” he told Euronows.
The mother, who attended a celebration at Liberation Square with her daughter, told Euroneus, “The atmosphere of this holiday is to dye eggs, make cozunatsu with your family.”
According to the orthodox Christian tradition, the family dyes eggs on Thursday. The first egg must be dyed red, symbolizing the blood of Christ.
In the square, children and adults holding colored eggs line up in preparation for a playful egg fight. Anyone who ends up with the last unbroken egg is a winner and is expected to have an age of good fortune and health.
