A Year in Provence’ begins with the New Year celebrations. We had already been here a few months by the time our first New Year cane around, but, like Mayle, we too had grown tired of the expectations of forced joviality and resolutions that never amounted to anything. In addition, we were tired of watching the decadent display of fireworks on television when our native country was in austerity, and the number of homeless people was the highest it had been in decades. We were in for a pleasant surprise to experience a New Year’s Eve in Bulgaria!
Celebrations here begin early
The day began with the sound of gunshots and ‘bombers’ (bangers) coming from all corners of the village. This joviality continued throughout the day, precipitating an increasing air of excitement as the evening drew near. Later, taking our daily walk, we passed various homes piping traditional Bulgarian music across our path. I never cease to rejoice in the celebration of custom and tradition in this wonderful country – we have lost so much in England.
Evening entertainment instead of television
At seven O’clock, we opened our home for various friends to enjoy supper with us. Never hoping to emulate the delicious Bulgarian fair that is enjoyed at this time. Instead, we stuck to our familiar English table of sausage rolls and trifle!
Once the food was over, we were invited to take ‘turns’ at entertaining our group of friends. Singing, dancing, performing – just like a traditional Christmas one reads about in a Charles Dickens novel! Again, we have lost so much in our commercialistic western world. The ‘turns’ led to great hilarity and amusement. Also a feeling of gratitude for our friends gifts of love in entertaining us.
The countdown for midnight meant fireworks from almost every house. The sky was on fire for nearly an hour. They are very affordable here. The fireworks tonight were very welcome as we toasted our first New Year’s Eve in Bulgaria and our coming adventure in this amazing country.
The survachka – Used to Give New Year Blessings
No sooner had our friends made a weary way home than we were greeted by new visitors. Groups of children began to arrive bearing the traditional ‘survachka’, – branches that have been decorated in various ways. We dutifully turned our backs to the revellers whilst they lightly tapped us on the back, simultaneously wishing us blessings and prosperity. Throughout the night, and well into the next day, this greeting was repeated by other groups, making us feel very welcome in our new home. We fell asleep in the early hours to the sounds of music and dancing that was still continuing when we awoke the following day. What a lovely time to look forward to next year!