Sirni Zagovezni, also known as Proshka/Forgiveness/ or Sirnitsa, is one of the most significant holidays in the Bulgarian folk calendar. It marks the last day before the start of the Easter Lent and is associated with deep traditions and customs aimed at forgiveness, purification and preparation for spiritual revival.

In 2025 Sirni Zagovezni is celebrated on 2nd of March, Sunday. This is a movable holiday that is always celebrated seven weeks before Easter.

Traditions and customs of Sirni Zagovezni

• Forgiveness and reconciliation – On this day, it is customary for younger people to visit their elders – parents, godparents and relatives, to ask for forgiveness. The rite includes kissing the hand and saying the words: “Forgive me!”, to which they respond with “Forgive me! May God forgive!”. This ritual symbolizes reconciliation and spiritual purification before the start of the fast
• Ritual meal and “hamkane” – The traditional meal of Sirni Zagovezni includes dairy products, eggs, cheese pie and halva with nuts. After dinner, the custom of “hamkane” is performed – a piece of halva or boiled egg is tied to a red thread, which is lowered from the ceiling and spun. Participants, especially children, try to bite the treat without the use of hands, which causes a lot of laughter and joy.
• Lighting and jumping over bonfires – On the evening of the holiday, large bonfires are lit, called “sirnitsi” or “oratnitsi”. Young people collect branches and brushwood, which they light on high places around the village. After the bonfires burn down, they are jumped over for health and protection from evil. It is believed that the light from the flames drives away evil forces and brings fertility.
• Throwing burning arrows – Boys make wooden arrows that they light from the fires and shoot at the yards of the chosen girls. This custom symbolizes a declaration of love and is a unique way of expressing feelings. It is common for the region of South-East Bulgaria and the city of Sliven. After Sirni Zagovezni, weddings and declarations of love cease until Easter.
• Kukerski dances – In some regions of Bulgaria, especially in Thrace, the week after Sirni Zagovezni is a time for Kukerski igre. Men put on scary masks and costumes, go around the village, perform ritual dances and rituals to drive away evil forces and ensure fertility throughout the year.

Sirni Zagovezni is a holiday that combines Christian and pagan elements,

aimed at purification, renewal and preparation for the upcoming fasts. The traditions and customs associated with this day continue to be observed in many Bulgarian families, transmitting the spirit of forgiveness and unity between generations.

After Zagovezni starts the 40 days Еaster fasting

Fasting/unloading
Fasts are designed to bring us back in the right direction to the natural law of eating mainly plant foods, which is why the Easter fast begins from the end of winter to mid-spring. In winter, people often burden the body with harmful foods, and the wrong combinations further worsen health. When we add polluted air, water and other toxins from the modern environment, the body begins to suffer and get sick. This is also the reason why in spring we experience the so-called “spring fatigue”.

According to the Christian tradition, Great Lent begins with forgiveness, confession and communion. It is believed that they do not have their full power if our thoughts are not pure, our good deeds and our words righteous. Therefore, more prayers and charity and less material entertainment are recommended throughout its duration.

In the week before the fast, meat should be excluded as the heaviest food among animal products. At least during the first 5 days of the first week of Lent, as well as on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week, a strict fast of vegetable food without oil is observed. On Good Friday, nothing is eaten. People for whom this is possible may not even drink water, and the sick or very elderly may take only bread and water. However, you should keep in mind that Orthodoxy does not recommend a fanatical attitude to fasting. The sick must necessarily consult a doctor, and pregnant women, children and people performing heavy physical labor can fast with a relaxed regime.

In principle, fasting can be general obligatory, or personal – voluntary. The latter includes the trimirena – the first three days of the 40-day Easter fast are spent in complete abstinence from food, possibly from water. It is observed by those who wish and can withstand it.