Bulgaria celebrates many public holidays all year long. Public holidays in Bulgaria in 2025 are times for people to rest and honor the country’s past, enjoy the present, and look ahead. Each holiday is important, from the happy New Year’s Day to the Liberation Day and Independence Day events.
The holidays help shape Bulgaria’s identity and unite people as a community. Some holidays remember historic events, while others follow cultural traditions. The public holidays allow Bulgarians to take pride in their nation. Let’s dive in to learn about the public holidays!
Public Holidays In Bulgaria In 2025
Bulgaria generally celebrates around 12 public holidays in 2025, with 5 holidays occasionally falling on weekends. Below is a list of the public holidays in Bulgaria in 2025.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Liberation Day | Mar 03, 2025 | Monday |
| Orthodox Good Friday | Apr 18, 2025 | Friday |
| Orthodox Holy Saturday | Apr 19, 2025 | Saturday |
| Orthodox Easter Sunday | Apr 20, 2025 | Sunday |
| Orthodox Easter Monday | Apr 21, 2025 | Monday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| St. George’s Day | May 06, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Culture and Literacy Day | May 24, 2025 | Saturday |
| Culture and Literacy Day Holiday | May 26, 2025 | Monday |
| Unification Day | Sep 06, 2025 | Saturday |
| Unification Day Holiday | Sep 08, 2025 | Monday |
| Independence Day | Sep 22, 2025 | Monday |
| Christmas Eve | Dec 24, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| Second Day of Christmas | Dec 26, 2025 | Friday |
These are the list of public holidays that will be celebrated in Bulgaria in 2025. Below are the traditions and significance of each public holiday.
New Year’s Day (January 1st)
This holiday marks the beginning of a new year. It is a time for fresh starts, resolutions, and celebrations in Bulgaria. People gather for parties, enjoying dishes like banitsa (cheese pastry) and lucky beans.
Fireworks light the night sky as people say goodbye to the previous year and welcome the new one. It is a time to reflect on the past year’s experiences and look forward to future opportunities.
| To learn more about public holidays in Brunei in 2025, check the other blog. |
Liberation Day (March 3rd)
Liberation Day marks when Bulgaria became free from Ottoman rule in 1878. People across the country celebrate gaining independence after much difficulty. They honor the sacrifices made by those who fought for Bulgaria’s self-rule.
On this day, parades, cultural activities, and displays of national pride happen. Citizens thank the heroes who helped make a free and united Bulgaria possible. This day reminds us of the country’s resilience and struggles to achieve freedom.
Orthodox Good Friday
For Orthodox Christian people in Bulgaria, this important day remembers when Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross. It is a time to be solemn and thoughtful, with not eating and attending church as the main activities.
The believers join in candle-holding processions and act out Christ’s sufferings. Also, consider the sacrifices and meaning of this event in the Christian faith. This day is filled with reverence and contemplation as they prepare for the joyful Easter celebrations.
Orthodox Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is the most important holiday for Orthodox Christians. It is a day of celebration and happiness in Bulgaria. Special church events occur, where believers come together to celebrate Jesus Christ’s coming back to life.
Families gather to break the Easter bread (Kozak) and trade red-colored eggs, which symbolize new life and being born again. Eating food and spending time with loved ones are important to the festivities. They create special memories and strengthen family bonds.
Orthodox Easter Monday
Bulgaria also celebrates the day after Easter Sunday. It allows people to celebrate and stay together for a longer time. Egg-tapping games are a fun tradition. They bring families and friends together to play and laugh.
Outdoor fun activities and eating foods like lamb and banitsa keep going, making the happy Easter festivities last longer. This extra day allows communities to enjoy Easter’s spirit of renewal and togetherness.
Labour Day (May 1st)
Bulgaria has parades, protests, and other events to mark Labour Day. The day celebrates what workers and the labor movement have done.
It’s a day to honor people’s hard work and commitment in various fields. People are proud of their role in improving the economy and society.
People like outdoor activities and have meals as the weather gets warmer. This allows people to enjoy the outdoors while eating the food they’ve grown.
St. George’s Day (May 6th)
St. George is the patron saint of numerous towns in Bulgaria and a symbol of bravery and honor. This day is St. George’s Day. During celebrations, people perform traditional practices, eat, and weave martensitic, red, and white bracelets that are thought to bring good luck and keep you safe.
People gathered to honor St. George and the qualities of courage, power, and persistence he exhibited. They welcome the new season with lively traditions and gatherings, and the celebrations also mark the start of spring.
Culture and Literacy Day (May 24th)
The day honors Bulgarian culture, learning, and the making of the Cyrillic alphabet by the scholars Cyril and Methodius. Book fairs, reading events, and cultural shows happen nationwide.
They promote the rich history and successes of Bulgarian arts and writings. This day helps people appreciate the nation’s intellectual and artistic contributions while inspiring future generations to embrace and keep their cultural identity.
Unification Day (September 6th)
It is a very important event in the country’s history. The day remembers the 1885 joining of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia. Parades, concerts, and cultural events mark the occasion. It shows the importance of national unity and progress.
People come together to celebrate the merging of these lands, recognizing the sacrifices and struggles made to achieve this milestone. It serves as a reminder of the strength of unity and the collective efforts that shape a nation’s destiny.
Independence Day (September 22nd)
Bulgaria celebrated its independence from Ottoman rule in 1908. It is a hard-won victory celebrating the end of centuries of foreign domination.
Parades, fireworks, and national pride and unity are seen nationwide. It honors the sacrifices made by those who fought for the nation’s sovereignty.
It’s a time to reflect on the resilience and determination of the Bulgarian people. They fought to secure their freedom and self-determination.
Christmas Eve (December 24th)
In Bulgaria, Christmas Eve is celebrated with many traditional activities and special foods. Families come together to light the Christmas log, a symbolic act representing the holiday season’s warmth and light.
Baking a special kind of bread called koledna pitka and serving dishes without meat or dairy, like nuts, fruits, and vegetables, creates excitement for the upcoming celebrations.
These rituals are meaningful to the culture and are passed down from elder to younger generations. It strengthens the connection between family and tradition.
Christmas Day (December 25th)
Christmas Day is a happy time for Bulgarian Christians, with church events, giving gifts, and family get-togethers. The smells of traditional foods like roasted pork, stuffed peppers, and banitsa fill the air, giving the day a warm and festive feel.
Families unite and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. They share the spirit of love, kindness, and togetherness that the holiday represents. It is a time to cherish the bonds of family and faith, creating lasting memories that will be treasured for a long time.
Second Day of Christmas (December 26th)
This second day of Christmas is also a holiday in Bulgaria. It allows people to have more celebrations and visits with friends and family. Outdoor activities and feasting continue, extending the joyous Christmas season.
It is a chance to enjoy the festive spirit even more and spend quality time with loved ones. It creates dear moments that will be remembered long after the holiday.
So, this blog is all about the public holidays in Bulgaria in 2025. I hope you enjoyed this post, and for more latest updates on public holidays, visit our website.