Bulgaria is a country of rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique traditions. Nestled in the heart of the Balkans, it offers a fascinating blend of ancient and modern cultures. To help you prepare for your visit, here’s a guide to understanding Bulgaria’s history, culture, and customs.

The Bulgarian term "айляк" (aylyak) refers to a relaxed, carefree, and leisurely state of mind or attitude, often associated with enjoying life without stress or hurry. It embodies the idea of taking life at a slow pace, savoring moments of relaxation, and not worrying about time or obligations.

"Aylyak" is deeply tied to Bulgarian culture and is often seen in the context of social gatherings, especially in rural areas or among friends and family. It’s the feeling you get when you’re sitting outside on a warm day, enjoying a drink with good company, without any rush.

It’s not about being lazy but about fully experiencing the moment and appreciating life as it is.

Ancient Roots: Bulgaria is one of the oldest countries in Europe, with human settlements dating back to the Neolithic period. The Thracians, an ancient people known for their art and gold treasures, were the region's earliest inhabitants.

The First Bulgarian Empire (681 AD): Bulgaria was officially established in 681 AD, becoming a powerful cultural and military force in the Balkans.

The Cyrillic Alphabet: Bulgaria’s contribution to global culture includes the development of the Cyrillic alphabet in the 9th century by Saints Cyril and Methodius. Today, it’s used in many Slavic countries.

Ottoman Rule (1396–1878): Bulgaria was part of the Ottoman Empire for nearly five centuries, an era that left a lasting influence on its architecture, cuisine, and traditions.

Modern Bulgaria: After gaining independence in 1878, Bulgaria became a constitutional monarchy, then a socialist republic during the Cold War, and transitioned to democracy in 1990. It joined the European Union in 2007.

Language: Bulgarian is the official language, and it uses the Cyrillic alphabet. You’ll notice street signs and menus in both Bulgarian and English in larger cities like Plovdiv. For Bulgarian phrases to know, please visit: https://www.theknot.com/us/lora-yordanova-and-daniel-valdes-jun-2025/things-to-do

Unique Gestures: Bulgarians nod their head for "no" and shake their head for "yes." This can be confusing, so it’s helpful to confirm verbally if you’re unsure.

Currency: The Bulgarian currency is the lev (BGN), and 1 lev is divided into 100 stotinki. The plural is leva.

Exchange Rates: The lev is pegged to the euro (1 EUR ≈ 1.96 BGN).

Payments: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, but smaller establishments may only take cash. ATMs are easy to find, especially in Plovdiv’s city center.

Dining: Bulgarians enjoy long meals with family and friends, often accompanied by rakiya (fruit brandy) and wine.

Toasting is common: Say "Nazdrave" (cheers) when raising a glass.

Shoes: When visiting a Bulgarian home, it’s customary to remove your shoes at the entrance.

Greetings: A warm handshake and direct eye contact are typical. Close friends may exchange kisses on the cheeks.

Eye contact: Direct eye contact is very common even with strangers on the street - while you don't often smile at strangers as you do in the South in the U.S., making direct and even sustained eye contact with strangers is not considered rude.

Tipping: Tipping around 10% is standard in restaurants.

Bulgaria has a continental climate.

Summers can be warm, while spring and autumn are mild.

For Plovdiv:

- Daytime temperatures in June are typically in the mid-70s to 80s °F (24–29°C), with cooler evenings.

- Pack comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones and sunscreen for exploring outdoors.

Bulgarian cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and influenced by its Balkan, Mediterranean, and Ottoman heritage. Here’s what you should try during your visit:

Breakfast

Bulgarian breakfasts are simple yet delicious. Many of these options can be found at bakeries, cafés, or street food stalls. For those of you staying at Villa Flavia, breakfast will be included in your stay:

Banitsa: A flaky pastry made with layers of filo dough and a mixture of eggs and sirene cheese. It’s the quintessential Bulgarian breakfast, best paired with ayran (a yogurt-based drink).

Mekitsi: Fried dough similar to donuts, often served with powdered sugar, honey, or jam. Some enjoy it with Bulgarian yogurt for a tangy twist. Stop by Mikitsa i Kafe, a charming spot on Plovdiv’s main pedestrian boulevard, to enjoy freshly made mekitsi with a cup of coffee. It's a local favorite!

Popara: A traditional breakfast dish made with crumbled bread, warm milk or tea, sugar, and sometimes butter. It’s a nostalgic comfort food for many Bulgarians.

Bulgarian Yogurt (Kiselo Mlyako): Enjoy it plain, or drizzle with honey and top with fresh fruits or walnuts for a healthy start to your day.

Appetizers and Salads

Shopska Salad: A refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and grated sirene cheese (similar to feta). A must-try!

Kyopolou: A smoky spread made from roasted eggplants, peppers, garlic, and tomatoes.

Tarator: A chilled soup made from yogurt, cucumbers, dill, and garlic. Great on a warm day.

Main Dishes

Kavarma: A slow-cooked stew of meat (usually pork or chicken) with onions, peppers, and tomatoes, often served in a clay pot.

Sarmi: Stuffed cabbage or grape leaves filled with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat.

Moussaka: A Bulgarian take on the classic dish, made with layers of potatoes, ground meat, and a yogurt-egg topping.

Chushki Burek: Peppers stuffed with cheese, dipped in batter, and fried.

Mesana Skara (Mixed Grill): A platter of grilled meats including kebapche (minced meat sausage), kyufte (meatballs), and pork or chicken skewers.

Side Dishes/Condiments

Lyutenitsa: A thick tomato and red pepper spread, often served with bread or as a side.

Fries with Feta: Ordering a plate of fries to go with your meal is common - make sure to get the grated feta on top!

Fried zucchini: Another common side order to add to any meal.

Desserts

Banitsa with Pumpkin (Tikvenik): A sweet version of the classic banitsa, filled with pumpkin, walnuts, and cinnamon.

Baklava: A layered pastry with honey and nuts, influenced by the Ottoman period.

Kiselo Mlyako with Honey and Walnuts: Bulgarian yogurt served with honey and crushed walnuts for a simple yet satisfying dessert.

Drinks

Rakiya: A strong fruit brandy made from plums, grapes, or apricots. Served as an aperitif.

Mavrud Wine: Bulgaria is famous for this full-bodied red wine, made from the native Mavrud grape.

Boza: A slightly fermented wheat drink with a unique taste, often enjoyed with breakfast.

Ayran: A savory yogurt-based drink, refreshing and cooling.

Local Beers: Try Bulgarian brands like Zagorka, Kamenitza, or Shumensko for a taste of the local beer culture.

Folklore and Music: Bulgaria is famous for its hauntingly beautiful folk music, recognized by UNESCO. Traditional dances like the horo are performed at celebrations.

Roses and Lavender: Bulgaria is one of the largest producers of rose oil, used in perfumes worldwide. June is the peak season for roses!

Plovdiv’s History: Plovdiv is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history spanning over 8,000 years.

UNESCO Sites: Bulgaria has 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Rila Monastery and Thracian tombs.

The Danube River: Bulgaria’s northern border is formed by this famous European river.

First in Wine: Bulgaria has a 5,000-year-old winemaking tradition, making it one of Europe’s oldest wine regions.

Bulgaria is a country where ancient traditions meet modern life, and we’re thrilled to share its magic with you. We hope you enjoy every moment of your visit!