White stands for purity and a long life, red for health. You wear your martenitsa until you see a stork or a tree in blossom, then tie it to its branches. That's why in late March many trees are covered in red and white threads. Traditionally, a martenitsa is a gift.
Explore Bulgaria
The martenitsa
On 1 March Bulgarians give each other "мартеници"
— red-and-white tassels or bracelets — with the wish "Честита Баба Марта!"
.
Petko Yotov (user:5ko) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
History of Bulgaria
An illustrated history of Bulgaria
Explore Bulgaria
Elena Chochkova · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
Grandma March
In folk tradition March is "Баба Марта"
— "Grandma March", a moody old woman.
Ttaanya · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source
3 March — Liberation Day
3 March is Bulgaria's national holiday — "Освобождението"
(the Liberation).
Mark Ahsmann · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source
24 May — a holiday for letters
24 May is a celebration of Bulgarian letters, education and culture — for many Bulgarians the most beloved holiday.