Happy St. Nicholas’ Day!

St. Nicholas’ Day

[img left]uploads/old/images/misc/sv_Nikola.jpg[/img]St. Nicholas Day, also known as St. Nichola or Riben (Fish) St. Nicholas, is one of the most celebrated holidays in the Bulgarian folk calendar. Each year it is celebrated on 6th of December. St. Nicholas’ holiday is also celebrated as the Day of Burgas.
Six December is the date marked the end of the life of St. Nicholas, also known as Archbishop Mirlikiyski or Miracle Worker. He was born in the second half of the 3rd century in Patara, a city in Asia Minor province Lycia. Although often persecuted and tortured for his faith in Christ, he reached old age and died in 342 AD. His body was interred in the cathedral in the town of Mir. On May 9 1087, His relics were taken to the city of Bari - Italy, where they remain till present day. This event marks the beginning of the holiday dedicated to St. Nicholas.
According to popular belief, when the world had been shared, the water was given to St. Nicholas. Therefore he is honored as the master of the water, of the sea, protector of sailors and fishermen, defender of the weak and those in distress. During his earthly life he performed many miracles, which is why he has been called the Miracle Worker.
St. Nicholas is also protector of the traders. On this day sailors, fishermen and traders make a solemn procession in honor of their patron.
On St. Nicholas' Day in every house a special festive dish is prepared. The dish is called "Rybnik" and is made of whole carp stuffed with bulgur, rice, raisins, onions, walnuts or carp baked in dough. In each house two ritual breads are kneaded - one called "bogov" or "bogovitsa" and another "nikulski".
© Krasimira Dubarova

Happy St. Nicholas Day - Celebration of Burgas and its inhabitants, all seamen, fishermen and traders!
May St. Nicholas protect our wonderful city and all of us citizens of Burgas!

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