Saint George's Day

Saint George's Day (BGR) History

St George's, also known as the Day of the Bulgarian Army, celebrates Saint George, the patron saint of soldiers in Bulgaria. The day also serves as a celebration of bravery and the Bulgarian Army. St George was a brave soldier who is best known for having slain a dragon and is role as a Christian martyr.

St George's Day is celebrated annually on 6 May. While under Soviet rule, the holiday was not celebrated but was however reinstated in 1993 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Top facts about Saint George's Day

• Saint George is also known to Bulgarians as the patron saint of shepherds and farmers.
• St George's Day is a name day and celebrates everyone who is named Georgi, George, Gergana, Ginka, Gina, Galya, Ganka, Gancho, Gyuro, Gyurga and Gotse.
• Bulgaria celebrates this day on May 6. This holiday is also popular in other countries like UK where St George it is typically celebrated on April 23rd.
• Saint George's Day was made the official Day of the Bulgarian Army by King Alexander of Bulgaria in 1880.
• The holiday is referred to in Bulgaria as Gergiovden, Gjurgjovden and Gergiovden. The name Georgius in Greek means farmer.
• Some say fate is beyond our command, but I know better. Our destiny is within us. You just have to be brave enough to see it. - Merida, Disney's Brave

In the News and Trending in the EU for Saint George's Day

Saint George's Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Indulge in traditional St George's Day dishes such as roasted lamb, ritual bread, fresh milk, feta cheese and eggs.
• Spread awareness for the day on social media sites using hashtags such as #StGeorgesDay, #StGeorge, #BeBrave and #BulgarianArmyDay.
• Attend the Bulgarian Army parade in Sofia. The parade showcases the best of the army's equipment and manpower.
• Watch a movie that touches on bravery, one of the qualities that made St George so well-known today. Some of our favourites include: Brave (2012), The Lion King (1995), Life of Pi (2012), Finding Nemo (2003), Schindler's List (1993), Life is Beautiful (1964) and Into the Wild (2007)
• Follow the old customs of dancing, washing or rolling in the fields in order to celebrate the patron saint of farmers. An old tradition includes rolling around in the field to wash oneself in the dew.