Ivanovi vlachugi

Overview

St. Ivan's Day is one of the great Bulgarian holidays in the New Year's cycle. With a unique authentic ritual, without analogue in our country, in the Pavlikeni village Karaisen celebrate St. Ivan's Day. The holiday is called "Ivanovi vlachugi" and has been passed down for generations since time immemorial, and today is preserved by amateurs in the village. It is celebrated at the largest public fountain in Karaisen, where people with name Ivan, newlyweds, unmarried bathe for health and fertility. Due to its uniqueness, "Ivanovi vlachugi" was awarded seven gold medals 35 years ago at the festival of folk art in Koprivshtitsa.

In the early morning of St. Ivan's Day from time immemorial in Karaisen the whole village with music gathers at the largest village fountain.

"There is a pull to the water, a drag and hence the name" Ivanovi vlachugi", because it makes it more fun for people.

People in Karaisen believe that "Ivanovi vlachugi" cleanse the bad energy and chase away evil, bring health and prosperity to the people with name Ivan, but also to the whole village. It is believed that the feast of St. Ivan's Day brings fertility and many children to the home of the newlyweds, and the girls will get married.

Heavy Karaisen red wine, cakes, appetizers are placed on the table for "Ivanovi vlachugi", and the hosts show who is a better master of meat dishes. In Karaisen, as in all Bulgarian villages, winter is the time in the ritual calendar, when people celebrate and gathere during the year, and the rituals are related to health.