Culture
The Cyrillic alphabet, the horo dance, martenitsa bracelets every March, kukeri masks in winter and a head shake that means yes. The guides here cover the history to know before you arrive and where to see it live in Sofia.
Bulgarian Culture and Traditions: A Visitor's Guide
Bulgaria gave the world Cyrillic, and has kukeri, fire-dancers and a nod that means no. Here is what to know.
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Bulgarian Phrases for Travelers: The Words I'd Learn First
Bulgarian is written in Cyrillic and read the way it looks. Here are the phrases I would learn before a trip to Sofia.
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A Short History of Bulgaria
Bulgaria has kept its name since 681. Here is its history era by era, and where each chapter still stands in Sofia.
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The Cyrillic Alphabet in Bulgaria
Cyrillic was born in Bulgaria. Here are its 30 letters, how to read a Sofia street sign, and what 24 May celebrates.
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Bulgarian Etiquette for Visitors
In Bulgaria a head shake means yes. Here is that rule and the rest of the manners a visitor needs in Sofia.
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Folk Music and Dance in Sofia
Bulgarian folk music runs on odd rhythms and a goatskin bagpipe. How it works, how to dance it, where to hear it.
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Festivals and Holidays in Bulgaria
Bulgaria's year runs from masked kukeri to fire-dancers and summer jazz. What happens when, and where to see it.
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Martenitsa and Baba Marta
Bulgaria greets spring with red and white threads on 1 March. What the martenitsa means and how to join in.
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Kukeri and the Surva Festival
Bulgaria is known for its kukeri, masked dancers in fur and bells. When and where to see them on a trip from Sofia.
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Street Art in Sofia
Sofia hides its best murals on apartment blocks and side streets. Here is where to find them, area by area.
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Opera and Theatre in Sofia
Sofia has a national opera with seats from about €10 and a theater from 1907. What is on, what it costs, how to book.
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Easter in Bulgaria
Bulgarian Easter means red eggs, kozunak and candles at midnight. The dates, the customs and Easter week in Sofia.
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Christmas and New Year in Sofia
Sofia does Christmas with two big markets, a meatless Christmas Eve and a free New Year concert. Dates and tips.
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The Museum of Socialist Art in Sofia: Lenin, the Red Star and Tickets
Sofia keeps its communist statues in one garden. Here is what the Museum of Socialist Art shows and how to visit it.
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