Easter in Sofia

Happy Easter!

Hi all, spring is here! This lovely season brings the grand Christian celebration – Easter. Easter, known as Velikden (Великден) or “Great Day” in Bulgarian, is one of the most significant and cherished holidays in Bulgaria. If you find yourself in Sofia during this vibrant season and are considering immersing yourself in local customs, you’re in for a treat! ​

Easter in Bulgaria

Bulgaria, being largely a Christian Orthodox country, celebrates Easter according to the Julian calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar, which is used by many Western countries. Therefore, the date when Bulgarians celebrate Easter often doesn’t coincide with the one celebrated in Western Europe. Here is when Easter will be celebrated in Bulgaria in the following years. In 2025, however, Bulgarians will celebrate Easter on the exact same day as Western Europeans—on April 20th!

If you happen to be in Bulgaria this spring, you should know about our two most common Easter traditions: Egg fights and the delicious sweet bread, Kozunak.

Unlike many Western countries where Easter egg hunts are popular, Bulgarians engage in a game of egg tapping. Eggs are traditionally dyed on Holy Thursday or Holy Saturday, with the first egg always colored red to symbolize health and protection. This red egg is often kept until the next Easter as a token of good fortune. The egg-tapping game involves family members and friends knocking their eggs against each other, and the person whose egg remains uncracked is believed to have a year of good health and luck ahead.

The Main Easter Service

Another integral part of the Bulgarian Easter celebration is attending the midnight church service on Holy Saturday. In Sofia, the Alexander Nevski Cathedral becomes a focal point for worshippers. The service begins at 11 PM and culminates in the joyous announcement of Christ’s resurrection at midnight. The cathedral and its surroundings are illuminated by the soft glow of candles held by attendees, creating a profoundly spiritual and picturesque atmosphere.

And then on Sunday, after the services are over – we fight! =)

Photo source: iWoman.bg

Kozunak – Bulgarian Easter bread

No Bulgarian Easter is complete without savoring kozunak, a traditional sweet bread that graces every festive table. This soft, fluffy bread is made from a rich dough consisting of milk, yeast, eggs, butter, and sugar. Flavorings such as lemon zest, vanilla, or rum-soaked raisins are often added to enhance its taste. Kozunak is typically prepared on Holy Thursday or Holy Saturday, filling homes with its enticing aroma. While many families bake their own, kozunak is also widely available in bakeries and markets throughout Sofia during the Easter season. ​

You can buy one everywhere during springtime (before and after Easter), and you should definitely try it. One of our favorite spots for Easter bread is the Sweet and Salty Bakery Cafe.

Photo source: Yumyumandsome’s Blog

Explore Festive Sofia

Of course, you’re here to explore Sofia, too—and we’re here to help! Join our free walking tours in English (or Spanish) every single day, including on Easter and all public holidays. We run three times a day—at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 6 PM—and no reservation is needed. Just show up, and we’ll be waiting for you in front of the Sofia City Court. 

Also, check out: 

It’s Tsvetnitsa, not Palm Sunday! 
Spring in Sofia

Want to learn more about Bulgarian customs and traditions? Do not hesitate to join one of our daily sightseeing city tours.