Midsummer's Day in Bansko: When tradition meets winter magic
After the water is blessed on Jordan's Day (Epiphany), the festive marathon in Bansko does not stop. On January 7 we note St. John's Day – the day of St. John the Baptist. In the Pirin region, this holiday is celebrated with extreme solemnity, and name plates are in almost every house.
If you are in Bansko on this date, prepare for lots of music, full taverns, and ancient customs that are still alive today.
The Tradition: “Bathing for Health”
The most characteristic custom for St. John's Day is related to the cleansing power of water. Tradition dictates that the best man or brother-in-law “bath” the newlyweds who have married within the last year. In the past, this was done in a river or at a fountain, but today the custom is symbolic – sprinkling water for health, fertility and a happy life.
💦 Interesting: In Bansko, it is believed that water has magical powers on Midsummer's Day. It is mandatory to wash yourself in the morning with fresh, cold water to stay healthy all year long ("to be strong as a stone and clean as water").
Who draws on January 7th?
St. John's Day is the holiday with the most name days in Bulgaria. In Bansko, where family traditions are strong, name days are often celebrated more lavishly than even birthdays. Here are the ones who should treat themselves:
| Main names | Derived names |
|---|---|
| Ivan, Ivana, Ivanka | Vanyo, Vanya, Ivo, Ivaylo, Ivelin/a |
| John, Joanna | Yonko, Yonka, Jean, Zhanna, Yana |
| Kaloyan | And all those bearing names meaning "God's grace"“ |
Midsummer's Eve meal in Bansko
After the end of the Christmas fast, the Midsummer's Eve table is rich and necessarily meaty. In local taverns and homes, traditional dishes are prepared that warm the soul:
- Pork ribs with sauerkraut: The winter classic.
- Banska Kapama: If the holiday is larger, the kapamah is mandatory.
- Boiled wheat: For health and prosperity.
- Red wine: Melnik or local homemade wine is poured in abundance.
Where to celebrate?
If you are a guest of the city, you will not be bored. On January 7, the taverns in Bansko usually have a special program with live music. The atmosphere is unique, because the holiday unites both local “bantsi” and tourists.
Tip: Since Midsummer's Day is extremely popular, we recommend making a dinner reservation in advance, especially if you are a larger company.
Happy name day to all! Stay healthy and wear your name with pride!
English (UK)