Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Day of Saint Sylvester or Karamanovden

Photo: archive
The Orthodox church marks the day of Saint Sylvester today. A Roman Pope, who lived in the 3rd-4th century, and who, according to legend baptized Emperor Constantine I the Great and converted him to Christianity. 
In folklore belief, Saint Sylvester is the patron saint of animals, and more specifically cattle. The feast day is also known as Karamanovden, Ox Day, SylvestriRituals on this day are connected with cleansing – cleaning out the manure from the stables which have not been cleaned since Christmas. On the night before Karamanovden, the young men who went carol singing at Christmas, now make the rounds of the houses in the village where there is cattle and draft animals in twos or threes.   

In the region of the Western Rhodopes the day goes by the name of Spolezov, and, similar to the tradition on St. Ignatius Day, Ignazhden (20 December), it is very important who the first person entering the home will be. The guest should be a good person and wealthy so the year will be good and prosperous. The meal on this day should not include pork or bacon – it is believed this will keep the farm animals healthy. 
Find out more about the traditions, rituals and songs connected with this day:
On our part, we would like to wish a happy name day to all people called Sylvester, Sylvia, Silvana, Seraphim, Goran, Goritsa! 
Editing by Elena Karkalanova
Translated and posted by Milena Daynova


Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Kichka Savova's songs "come to life" in a virtual national tour

February 22 marks the 90th anniversary of the birth of Kichka Savova - one of the most significant singers from Bulgaria's Thrace folklore region. All who knew her during her lifetime keep in their hearts the memory of a talented, truly good, bright and..

published on 2/22/24 6:35 AM

Tran will host winter masquerade festival

For the fourth year in a row, the town of Tran in Western Bulgaria will host a winter festival of masquerade games. The beginning will be set on February 3 from 12:00 to 14:00 in the central town square.  Four survakari groups from Zemen, Trun and the..

published on 2/3/24 5:35 AM

Bulgarians celebrate Petlyovden (Rooster Day) - the male holiday for fertility

On February 2, according to the Bulgarian folk calendar, it is Petlyovden (Rooster Day) - a day dedicated to the health and fertility of male offspring. It is most widely popular in Eastern Bulgaria.  One of the obligatory elements is the..

published on 2/2/24 5:05 AM