Saint George's (Bulgaria)

Saint George's Facts & Quotes

• Saint George is also known to Bulgarians as the patron saint of shepherds and farmers.
• 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 Gergyuvden, Gyurgyovden and Gergevden. The name Georgius in Greek means farmer.
• 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.
• 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

Saint George's 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.
• Attend the Bulgarian Army parade in Sofia. The parade showcases the best of the army's equipment and manpower.
• Spread awareness for the day on social media sites using hashtags such as #StGeorgesDay, #StGeorge, #BeBrave and #BulgarianArmyDay.
• 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.

Saint George's References and Related Sites