The coastal town of Sozopol,Bulgaria,came alive with tradition and reverence on December 6th,as residents celebrated Nicholas Day,a holiday deeply intertwined with the town’s maritime heritage.
The day began with a solemn Divine Holy Liturgy at the “St. George the victorious” church, where a large crowd gathered to pay their respects to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. “The church could not gather the citizens who came to light a candle in front of the icons and relics of saint Nicholas the wonderworker,” a local observer noted.
Among those in attendance were Mayor Tihomir Yanakiev, Deputy Mayors Andrey Nikolov and Todor Damyanov, municipal Council Chairman Stanimir Andonov, and other municipal officials, demonstrating the significance of the occasion for the local government.
A procession, led by Father Dimitar carrying the large icon of st. Nicholas, his reliquary, and banners, made its way from the church to the harbor. ”Father Dimitar blessed and sanctified all the ships, the citizens who were already celebrating there and the fish that everyone had put on the makeshift tables,” a local resident shared.
“The captains kissed the cross and the reliquary carried by mayor Yanakiev, and Father dimitar wished them calm seas and full nets,” a witness recounted.
The ships then sailed out to sea, where wreaths and flowers were cast into the water in remembrance of fallen fishermen and sailors. Back on shore,Father Dimitar blessed a traditional Christmas feast prepared by the municipality,offering baked and marinated fish,fish soup,bread,and wine to all who gathered.
The Bulgarian coastal town of Chernomorets celebrated the traditional Feast of St. Nicholas, known as Nikulden, with a unique ceremony steeped in maritime tradition. on December 6th, residents gathered for a solemn procession from the local church to the port, marking the symbolic “closing of the sea” until Summer Nicholas Day on May 9th.
father Stiliyan, the local priest, ceremoniously handed the symbolic key to the sea to Mayor Rosen Despov, signifying the temporary cessation of fishing activities. Wreaths and flowers were cast into the waves in remembrance of those lost at sea.
“They closed the sea in chernomorets,” a local resident remarked, capturing the essence of the tradition.
The festivities continued with a lively folk festivity at the port, where music and dancing filled the air. Mayors Rosen Despov and Tihomir Yanakiev, extending warm wishes to the community, expressed hopes for health and prosperity in the coming year. ”I congratulate my fellow citizens and wish them warmth and comfort and kindness in their deeds and hearts,” Mayor Tihomir Yanakiev shared.
The festive program,filled with traditional music and dance,added to the joyous atmosphere,creating a memorable celebration of Nikulden in Chernomorets.
## Honoring Tradition: Sozopol Celebrates Nicholas Day
**World Today News** spoke to **Dr. Maria Petrova**, a historian specializing in Bulgarian folklore and traditions at the Sozopol Museum, about the significance of Nicholas Day in the coastal town.
**World Today News:** Dr. Petrova, could you tell us about the history and significance of Nicholas Day in Sozopol?
**Dr. Petrova:** Certainly. Nicholas Day, celebrated on December 6th, holds a special place in the heart of Sozopol. Saint Nicholas,revered as the protector of sailors and fishermen,has been deeply intertwined with the town’s identity since its founding as a maritime community centuries ago.
The day is not merely a religious observance; it’s a vibrant festivity of Sozopol’s unique relationship with the sea and its patron saint.
**World Today News:** We saw from the photos that the festivities began with a solemn church service. Can you elaborate on the religious aspect of the celebrations?
**Dr. Petrova:** Absolutely. The Divine Holy Liturgy at the “st. George the Victorious” church is the heart of Nicholas Day in Sozopol.It’s a moment for the community to come together, offer their prayers, and pay their respects to Saint Nicholas.
The fact that the church was overflowing with people wanting to light candles and venerate the saint’s relics speaks volumes about the deep reverence he commands in Sozopol.
**World Today News:** The presence of high-ranking officials,including the Mayor and Deputy Mayors,at the church ceremony seems to suggest the cultural importance of this event.
**Dr. Petrova:** That’s a very astute observation. The attendance of municipal leaders underscores the fact that Nicholas Day is more than just a religious observance; it’s a significant cultural event that unites the entire town.
It demonstrates the enduring relevance of tradition within Sozopol and the respect for this long-standing celebration.
**World Today News:** What other traditions and customs are associated with Nicholas Day in Sozopol?
**Dr. Petrova:** While the religious aspect is central, Nicholas Day also encompasses customary customs. In the past,families would bake special breads shaped like boats,symbolizing the town’s seafaring heritage.
Children would also recieve small gifts, often sweets or toys, in remembrance of Saint Nicholas’ generosity.
unfortunately, some of these customs have faded over time, but the spirit of tradition remains strong in Sozopol, as evidenced by the vibrant atmosphere and community participation on this special day.
**World Today News:** Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for sharing your insights.
This interview provides a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Sozopol and the enduring legacy of Nicholas day in this quaint coastal town.
