On March 3, 2024, we had the honor and pleasure of organizing a special March celebration dedicated to Bulgaria’s Liberation Day and the holiday of Baba Marta. This lively event brought together people of all ages in Cambridge, united by the spirit of Bulgarian culture and traditions.
Our event, "Spring is Coming!" brought with it the feeling of spring, warmth, and tradition as we celebrated two beloved Bulgarian customs – Bulgaria’s Liberation and the Martenitsa, a symbol of health, luck, and new beginnings. Attendees had the chance to exchange Martenitsi and enjoy shared delicious Bulgarian dishes, prepared with care and warmth. Traditional folk music and dancing enhanced the festive atmosphere, with everyone joining in the cheerful rhythm of horo dances and songs.
The celebration also featured a competition for the best Martenitsa, adding an extra dose of joy and excitement among the guests. The winner of the "Most Beautiful Martenitsa" award was Milenka Mileva, with Haverhill once again taking home the prize!
Desislava and Stanislava Bardarski impressed everyone with their stunning full-sized costumes of Pizho and Penda. Dressed in the traditional red and white colors, they symbolized the spirit of the Martenitsa in a unique and memorable way. With their imagination and creativity, Desislava and Stanislava added an incredible atmosphere to the celebration, bringing the authentic spirit of Baba Marta that made everyone feel even more connected to Bulgarian tradition. We thank them and all participants for their wonderful ideas and inspiration!
In addition to the festivities, the event also included a charity campaign, organized by the Bulgarian Orthodox Community - Cambridge, UK, which raised £159 in support of establishing a Bulgarian Orthodox mission in Cambridge.
"Spring is Coming!" was a beautiful day filled with joy and celebration, where each of us had the chance to feel the spirit of Bulgaria, even far from home. Together, we welcomed spring and honored the symbols of health, luck, and freedom. We thank everyone who joined us and made this celebration even more special!
We look forward to the upcoming events we will organize with you to continue preserving and sharing Bulgarian traditions in the heart of Cambridge.
More photos and videos can be found in the album on our Facebook page.