Home to well over six million people, Bulgaria is renowned for its rugged mountain landscapes and Black Sea resorts, which draw in throngs of visitors from across the globe. Indeed, tourism is one of the country’s fastest-growing industries today. Exportation also constitutes a core component of its economy, with Bulgaria being a large exporter of metals, medicines, machinery and agricultural goods. But business aside, this Eastern European country is steeped in heritage and traditions. One of those traditions – Baba Marta Day – falls on 1 March.
Besides marking the end of winter and the start of spring, the beginning of March is a time of festivity in Bulgaria, with the first of the month being Baba Marta Day. This is a centuries-old pagan tradition based on the mythical figure Baba Marta (Баба Марта (Grandmother March)), who represents the month of March and thus the advent of spring.
The gift of good health
On this special day, people gift each other a martenitsa to wish each other good health and prosperity for the year ahead – and of course to appease Grandmother March, a character known to be as temperamental and erratic as springtime weather. Martenitsas are braided using white and red wool. They are either crafted as a wristband or fashioned as a little decoration to be attached to clothing, typically in the form a boy and girl known as Pizho and Penda. This boy-girl duo, the grandchildren of Baba Marta, are tied together – Pizho is typically made using white thread and Penda with red.
One swallow does make a spring
True to tradition, martenitsas are to be worn until you see a stork or swallow – which spend the winter months in Africa and return to their nests in Bulgaria in March. The martenitsa is then removed and attached to a blossoming tree. This cultural practice – originally intended to safeguard against the capricious spring weather – also exists in North Macedonia, the Republic of Moldova, and Romania. It is officially featured on the UNESCO list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Cross-cultural communication with First Edition Translations
Driving forward localisation ever since 1981, First Edition is a certified translation agency with a long-standing reputation. Over the years, we’ve built up a vast pool of trusted linguists who specialise in translating cultural content into a laundry list of languages, Bulgarian included. So when a client sends us biographies detailing Chopin’s life, an 18th-century work on tarot cards or step-by-step craft manuals (all genuine examples!), we have exactly the right person in mind. We’ve had the privilege of collaborating with many a publisher and cultural institution – including Arcturus, Bolinda, Cambridge University Press, DK, Octopus, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. You can explore some testimonials on our website or email us at enquiries@firstedit.co.uk to find out more.
To spread the joy of springtime even further this year, we are offering a 10% discount for any translations into or from Bulgarian this March. Simply quote BABAMARTA to claim your discount for orders placed between 1 and 31 March 2026.