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March 14, 2021Alternative Ways to Get Around Sofia
June 28, 2021After the looong and snowy winter it’s what we’ve all been anticipating for months – Spring in Sofia! The season of awakening, excitement and good mood! Sofia in spring is truly magnificent and a perfect option for an extended weekend trip or a spring getaway. The flowers are blooming and nature is coming to life. The beauty and excitement of this season is just one of the reasons why it’s the perfect time to visit the Bulgarian capital. It’s also the perfect time of year to discover some of Bulgaria’s most interesting traditions. It is indeed during spring time that Bulgarians celebrate some of their most beloved national holidays.
Spring Holidays in Bulgaria
March 1st – Baba Marta & Martenitsa
Red and white decorations appear everywhere in Bulgaria to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of the new cycle of life. This old and pagan tradition is so widespread in the country that it’s impossible to miss it. Vendors start selling martenitsas on the streets as early as the beginning of February. The culmination is, of course, on 1st of March when everybody exchanges martenitsas. “Happy Grandma March” is what you hear everywhere. Learn more about why this tradition is so special here.
March 3rd – Liberation Day
Just 2 days after the Grandma March celebrations we are ready for one of Bulgaria’s most important national holidays – Liberation Day. A day dedicated to all of those who lost their lives in the fight for Bulgarian independence. Traditionally, on this day, the celebrations in Sofia are held next to the Monument of the Unknown Soldier.
March 8th – International Women’s Day
Mother’s day/Women’s Day in Bulgaria is celebrated on March 8th. You would know it’s a special day once you see many people walking around carrying flowers.
March 22nd – The First Day of Spring
Spring is now officially here! However, don’t be surprised if all of a sudden snow starts falling. That’s just how March is in Bulgaria. People joke that one can sometimes witness 4 seasons in one day.
Palm Sunday
Easter holidays are, of course, the highlight of every spring in Bulgaria. Palm Sunday, however, is a moment on its own. People carrying flowers and willow branches are everywhere. It’s also one of the most widely celebrated name days in the country. Not familiar with name days?
Easter
If you are coming from a place outside of Eastern Europe, you might notice that Easter in Bulgaria is usually on a different date. That’s because Bulgaria is largely an Orthodox nation, following the Julian calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar, used by many western countries. Find out more about how we celebrate Easter in Bulgaria.
May 1st – Labour Day
This one was celebrated much more passionately in the past, specifically during the communist period. It is, however, still one of the big spring holidays and a non-working day.
May 6th – St George’s Day
St George is the patron saint of the Bulgarian army and one of the most revered saints in the country. If you happen to be in Sofia on this day, make sure to check the annual parade of the Bulgarian army in central Sofia.
May 24th – St Cyril and St Methodius – Day of the Cyrillic Alphabet
Bulgarians are proud of their alphabet. The country prides itself in being the birthplace of the cyrillic script which is nowadays used by many in Eastern Europe and Asia. Celebrations are typically held in front of the National Library in Sofia. Find out more about why this holiday is so important.
Spring Activities and Things to Do in Sofia
Sofia is an outdoor city and once the weather gets warmer it’s all happening outside. Here are our suggestions for a time well spent in the months of March, April and May:
Explore the city’s main landmarks on foot
Okay, we are a bit biased as that’s our favorite thing to do – walking around Sofia’s city center and showing our beautiful city to guests from all over the world. It is especially in this season that that’s one of the best things to do in Sofia.
Outdoor bars and restaurants
Sofia has plenty of open-air bars and restaurants for you to enjoy during your trip. Our friends from FlatAway have compiled a wonderful and extensive list of all available options in the city.
Walk around Sofia’s parks
Sofia is a green city. It has so many parks that it will be impossible to cover them all during your visit. The awakening of nature is best observed in one of Sofia’s green oases. We have made a list of the city’s most exciting parks, so that you can choose what works best for you.
Spring is a time for culture
Outdoor performances are starting to take place as early as march. Of course, there are plenty of cultural activities available at the National Opera and Ballet House, National Palace of Culture and Hall Bulgaria. Check out all current events in the city here.
Also check out:
Sofia – Capital of Bulgaria – The Ultimate Travel Guide
Top 7 Day Trips from Sofia