The great Bulgarian poet and revolutionary Hristo Botev will be honored on January 6th all over Bulgaria. At that date, 170 years have elapsed since the birth of one of the native symbols. The holiday coincides with one of the greatest church ones – Epiphany. That is why both celebrations will merge across the country.
In the birthplace of the poet Kalofer, the celebrations will start as early as January 5 with a recital of amateurs from the local community center. On a solemn meeting will be remembered facts and events from the life of Hristo Botev and flowers will be laid in front of the revolutionary memorial plaque.
On the 6th of January, the celebration will begin with the adoration of Botev in the square in Kalofer and the laying of “Girlanda of Glory” at the monument of the poet. The celebrations are under the patronage of the President of the National Assembly, Tsveta Karayancheva. The 2018th will be announced for Botev’s year as well. In Kalofer on the same day, the famous icy horo /traditional Bulgarian dance/ will be held in the waters of the Tundzha river and will be monitored by UNESCO experts. They have to decide whether the traditional ritual should be included in the World Heritage List
There will be Botev’s celebrations and the jumping of the cross in the icy waters of lakes, rivers, and ponds will be all over the country. In Velingrad, the brave will be able to catch three whole crosses – in Lake Kleptuza, on Therma Beach, and on the central beach. In Bourgas, they will have to jump to the cross in the icy sea water on the bridge near Primorski Park. Then at 12.30 pm will be honored the memory of Hristo Botev and flowers will be laid on the grave of the poet.
In Plovdiv, the 170th anniversary of the revolutionary’s birth will be celebrated at 2 p.m. in Tsar Simeon’s Garden. The ritual organized by the municipality will also include honorary formations of the Plovdiv garrison. The men willing to be healthy the whole year will be able to jump for the cross in Maritsa River. In Varna, they will first honor Botev, and then the cross will be thrown at 11.30 a.m.