BULGARIA | Socializing | Cultural information
Mentality & Communication
After the political changes of the late 80-s Bulgaria is still undergoing considerable economic changes that are influencing the cultural and social life of Bulgarian people. For more information about the etiquette in Bulgarian society please visit
In Bulgaria, traditionally people are friendly to foreigners so you can expect to make friends in relatively short time and they will be helpful and reliable. You can usually count on your Bulgarian friends to do a lot for you out of friendship but they will also expect a lot in return (spending time together, openness, etc.). People like to show newcomers around and are proud of their cultural heritage. Unfortunately they have less time now trying to adjust to the new economical conditions and most of the people have more than one job.
Another level of communicating is ‘small talk'. To talk to a stranger in the bus, in a shop or standing in line is normal. A favourite topic of small talk is the weather or local events. In Bulgaria, people often criticize the imperfections they see around them, sometimes with humor. Sometimes Bulgarians talk about politics in public, but this could lead to an argument. Young people rarely chose this topic though, they prefer to talk about music, computers, cell phones or job possibilities in Bulgaria and outside of the country.
Going out to eat or drink
At restaurants or pubs most of the time people pay for themselves. If you get invited and somebody pays for you, it’s a good idea to return the treat at some other time. People usually give tips to waiters in restaurants, coffee bars and pubs. They round the price up.
Opening Hours
Most restaurants open in the morning around 11 a.m. and do not close until 11 p.m. Opening hours of pubs and bars vary. Some open early in the day and stay open until the last customer leaves.
Local Customs
The biggest holidays in Bulgaria are Christmas and Easter – they are family holidays; people visit relatives and exchange presents for Christmas and dyed eggs for Easter. A big thing in Bulgaria is celebrating name days. A lot of people are named after saints from the Orthodox calendar and they celebrate their name day on the day of the saint. Usually they give big parties and you don’t have to be invited to the party to go and congratulate the person whose name day is being celebrated. This person also gets presents like the ones given for birthdays, so don’t forget to pick up something if you are going to such party. It could be a bottle of good wine or another kind of alcohol, sometimes just flowers.
Another specific holiday that is celebrated only in a few more countries is March 1 – Baba Marta (Grandma March). According to folklore traditions this is the beginning of spring. On this day people exchange Martenitsas – lucky charms made of red and white thread, often with blue beads. They wear them on their clothes, wrists and necks for good luck and harvest until they see a stork. For more information about Bulgarian holidays and traditions please visit