Bulgarians are very curious about how foreigners live. This curiosity, along with their gregarious nature, makes them great friends to have! They also love to talk about their culture, so be prepared to answer a lot of questions about your country.
Traditionally, families were the core of society and socialization in Bulgaria. During the years of communism, there were virtually no divorces and many families lived together for generations. Nowadays, family is still the most important element in Bulgarian life. Many of the country’s festivals are based around the family, including Christmas and Easter.
The bulgarian language is relatively simple in structure, but there are a few unique elements that make it interesting. For example, there are five different verb tenses, and they combine with aspect and mood to create complex formations. Additionally, there are many different modifier prefixes that can change the meaning of a word.
When Bulgarians are invited to someone’s home, they usually bring flowers and a bottle of wine. They also give gifts to their children on their birthdays and for the holidays. Gifts are generally not expensive, but they are meant to show that the recipient is thought of and loved.
Besides the traditional Christmas and Easter, there are several other holidays that are celebrated in Bulgaria. These include Liberation Day (March 3); Culture and Literacy Day (May 24); Reunification Day (September 6); and the Day of the Defenders of the Fatherland (November 28).
Although Bulgarians are very independent, they are extremely loyal to their friends. They are also very supportive of their families and their close-knit networks are often the basis of their lives. The country’s Orthodox Christian majority means that the Church is a big part of daily life. Religious services, baptisms and church weddings are common, and there is a strong sense of community.
The cured meats that are so popular in Bulgaria are quite delicious. From banski starets and babek to the more recognizable lukanka, these sausages are full of flavor. The seasoned, flat meatballs known as kufte are another popular dish, especially when they’re cooked on the barbeque.
The most famous dessert in the country is baklava, but it’s not just one type. It comes in many variations, and each region has its own version with its own special ingredients. Besides baklava, there are also other sweet treats such as the marudnik pancakes and the mekitsa, a deep-fried donut filled with sugar or jams.