Situated in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe, Bulgaria is a crossroad of the major tourist routes. It borders to the north with Romania, to the west with Serbia and Macedonia, to the south with Greece and Turkey and to the east with the Black Sea.

The capital city of Sofia has been compared to Paris because of its broad boulevards, open-air cafes, large parks, upscale shopping and grand buildings. The 5,000-year-old capital is situated at the foot of Mount Vitosha. There is much to do and see and it's not too expensive. Bulgaria has a temperate climate, with cold damp winters and hot dry summers.

Bulgaria is largely a conservative and traditional society, and rural life goes on as it has done for the last century or so. Bulgarians are very proud of their education. The literacy rate in Bulgaria is over 98%, one of the highest in the world. Family life is also important: personal events such as christenings, weddings, house-warmings & birthdays are celebrated enthusiastically.

The Toy and Its Story

Bulgarian Holidays

Jan 1 - New Years Day

Mar 3 - Liberation Day

Celebrate independence from Ottoman Rule: Mar 3, 1878 the Treaty of San Stefano was signed.

Apr 10 - Good Friday

Apr 13 - Orthodox Easter Monday

The symbol for Easter is the bright red colored egg and it is baked into a special bread. On Saturday the families bring their bread to church and offer it up to family, God, and other friends/relatives. The greeting "Christ is Risen" and the answer "Indeed he has risen" is repeated for 40 days after Pascha (Easter).

May 1 - Labour Day

May 6 - Saint George's Day/Army Day

A day where villagers celebrate when St. George came and slaughtered the dragon that was stealing away the sheets and lambs. A sacrifice of a lamb is made in every home on Gergyovden (St. George's Day).

Also the Army or Bravery Day. A parade in honor of the military is held.

May 24 - Culture and Literacy Day

Celebrates the Cyrillic Alphabet and the Bulgarian culture.

Sep 6 - Unification Day

Celebrates the unification of Bulgaria with Eastern Rumelia.

Sep 22 - Independence Day

The formal independence from the Ottoman Empire.

Nov 1 - Revival Leaders' Day

Dec 24 - Christmas Eve

Dec 25 - Christmas Day

Fasting and feasting is common during this holiday. Also is the baking of a loaf of bread with a small piece of silver inside. It is said that the one who finds the silver will have good luck.

Dec 26 - Second Day of Christmas

To learn more about adopting from Bulgaria, please request one of Gladney's free, comprehensive Adoption Information Packets. Make your request on-line or by calling 1-800-INT-ADOP.