January 2026 Holidays in Bulgaria
January in Bulgaria kicks off with New Year celebrations and quickly enters one of the busiest periods for name days. Ivanovden on January 7th is among the most widely celebrated name days — hundreds of thousands of Bulgarians bear names connected to John the Baptist.
What to Celebrate
Official public holiday. Bulgarians welcome the new year with fireworks, festive dinners, and the traditional survakane ritual on the morning of January 1st.
On January 6th, a priest throws a cross into water and men compete to retrieve it. It is believed that the one who catches the cross will have good health all year.
One of the most widely celebrated name days in Bulgaria — honoring everyone named Ivan, Ivaylo, Yoan, Ivana, Yoana, and dozens of derivative names.
Celebrates those named Atanas, Nasko, Atanaska, and derivatives. In folk tradition, this day marks the end of the harshest winter cold.
Cultural Context
The beginning of the year in Bulgarian tradition is tied to wishes for health and prosperity. Survakane on January 1st is an ancient custom where children tap relatives on the back with a decorated cornel branch. Yordanovden (January 6th) features the throwing of the cross into water — a tradition that continues to attract thousands to rivers and lakes across the country.