SOFIA, Bulgaria — On the first Saturday after Sirni Zagovezni (Cheese-Fare Sunday), villages and towns across Bulgaria burst into vibrant celebrations for Todorovden, a holiday dedicated to Saint Theodore and steeped in age-old traditions.
Known popularly as “Horse Easter,” Todorovden seamlessly blends Christian beliefs with pre-Christian customs, highlighting the transition from winter to summer.
The festival’s centerpiece is the veneration of horses, believed to possess divine protection, and a series of rituals that symbolize fertility, prosperity, and the awakening of nature.
Horses at the Heart of Todorovden
The unmistakable highlight of Todorovden is the “kushiya”, an exhilarating horse race that dates back centuries. At dawn, men gather to groom their horses, meticulously braiding their manes and tails and adorning them with beads, tassels, and fresh flowers.
This meticulous preparation is not merely for show but a deeply symbolic act invoking Saint Theodore’s protection and blessings for health and fertility.
The horses, led to a nearby watering place, are then lined up for the kushiya. In villages like Bistritsa and Koprivshtitsa, throngs of spectators line the muddy paths, cheering as riders gallop with a mix of skill and bravado.
The victorious horse receives a ceremonial bridle, while the rider is often gifted a hand-embroidered shirt or a towel.
Tradition dictates that the winning horse makes a lap around the village, greeted by singing villagers who offer it water — a gesture symbolizing the spring’s renewal and Saint Theodore’s blessings.
“Winning the kushiya is not just about speed,” said Georgi Petrov, a farmer from Northern Bulgaria whose family has competed for three generations. “It’s a sign that your household will be blessed with health and good fortune for the year.”
Ancient Roots and Symbolism
The origins of Todorovden go far beyond its Christian associations. Folklore depicts Saint Theodore not only as a religious figure but as a bringer of warmer days.
Legend has it that on this day, Saint Theodore rides his horse across the fields, shedding his nine coats one by one to hasten the arrival of summer.
This portrayal has led scholars to draw parallels with ancient Thracian cults that worshipped horse deities associated with the sun and fertility.
“Many of the traditions practiced on Todorovden have pre-Christian roots,” explained Dr. Ivan Pavlov, a folklorist at Sofia University.
“The reverence for horses, the symbols of fertility, and the celebration of nature’s rebirth all point to ancient Thracian rites that were gradually absorbed into Christian practice.”
Rituals for Brides and Fertility
Todorovden is also marked by customs intended to bring prosperity to newlyweds. In Western Bulgaria, young brides, dressed in their wedding gowns, are escorted to church by their mothers-in-law on the eve of the holiday.
Carrying ceremonial offerings of boiled corn and bread, they seek blessings for a harmonious marriage and fertility.
After presenting these offerings to the priest, the brides are playfully kicked by older women — a peculiar but time-honored gesture believed to ensure prosperity and swift motherhood.
The boiled corn is later scattered in gardens to secure a bountiful harvest, further reinforcing the holiday’s agricultural significance.
In regions such as Samokov and Koprivshtitsa, young girls also partake in a unique ritual, washing their hair with water infused with straw from a horse’s manger, believing it will make their hair as strong as a horse’s mane.
“It’s a way to connect with nature’s energy,” said Elena Dimitrova, a 23-year-old bride participating in the rituals for the first time. “For us, these traditions are a blessing and a way to honor our roots.”
The Symbolic Bread of Todorovden
Another essential aspect of the celebration is the baking of ritual bread. Women across Bulgaria prepare loaves shaped like horseshoes or horses, which are first tasted by the mother-in-law before being shared with the family.
This tradition is seen as a way to strengthen family bonds, particularly between daughters-in-law and their new families.
In villages such as Zheravna and Tryavna, grandmothers also cut a child’s hair for the first time since winter on Todorovden, symbolizing a fresh start and protection from illness.
Courtship and Fertility Rituals
Beyond the horse races and bridal customs, Todorovden is also marked by lighthearted courtship rituals. In some regions, young women engage in a playful tradition involving the throwing of slippers.
The girl who tosses her slipper the farthest is believed to be the next to marry — a prediction taken with both humor and hope by the participants.
A lesser-known but intriguing custom is the practice of “Bekane”. After attending the church service, the eldest woman in the household distributes soaked peas to each family member, tossing a handful towards the ceiling as an offering for both people and livestock.
Young girls, meanwhile, string beads of soaked chickpeas onto threads, decorating them with silk. These handmade adornments are then given to their suitors, who respond with small gifts, symbolizing the mutual exchange of affection and prosperity.
“These rituals have a magic of their own,” said Maria Ilieva, a local from Pernik. “They remind us that love, fertility, and the earth’s renewal are all connected.”
A Holiday That Endures
Despite the rapid modernization of Bulgarian society, Todorovden remains a significant and eagerly anticipated holiday.
From Sofia to the smallest villages, the sight of horses parading through cobbled streets and the sound of bells ringing in church towers signal the arrival of this beloved festival.
The day also serves as a name day for those named Todor, Teodor, Teodora, Bozhidar, Bogdana, and Naiden, adding to the festivities with family gatherings and the sharing of traditional dishes such as banitsa and kozunak.
For the younger generation, participating in Todorovden’s customs is a way to reconnect with their heritage.
“It’s about remembering who we are,” said Ivan Kolev, a 19-year-old student. “Riding in the kushiya, feeling the ground thunder under the horse’s hooves — it’s a rush, but it’s also a way to honor my ancestors.”
As Bulgaria continues to balance tradition and modernity, Todorovden stands as a vivid reminder of the nation’s rich cultural tapestry.
From the galloping horses to the symbolic loaves of bread, the holiday encapsulates the Bulgarian spirit — resilient, rooted in tradition, and always looking forward to the promise of spring.