Byala_koleda May 2026

The heart of a "White Christmas" in Bulgaria is the , a ritual that begins at midnight on Christmas Eve.

In Slavic mythology, (or Koleda) was a deity representing the infant sun born during the winter solstice. Ancient Slavs believed that during this time, the veil between the world of spirits and mortals was thinnest. Rituals were performed to: Scare away demons using elaborate homemade costumes. Bless households for a fertile and prosperous year ahead. byala_koleda

: In many Bulgarian regions, a primary ritual is the traditional slaughter of a pig, providing the main feast for the holiday. The heart of a "White Christmas" in Bulgaria

Food is central to the "Byala Koleda" experience, symbolizing abundance and the earth's gifts: Rituals were performed to: Scare away demons using

: They go from house to house singing carols that are believed to chase away evil spirits and bring health to the family.

While "Byala" literally means "white," in the context of Koleda, it represents:

: Groups of young men (carolers) dressed in traditional folk costumes, wearing hats decorated with popcorn and crane-box.