The Sliven Metropolis is opposed to the Nestinarstvo tradition

Metropolitan Arseniy of Sliven has spoken out against the nestinari (fire dancers), prohibiting them from using icons during their rituals. This announcement was made on the Sliven Metropolis's official website and Facebook page.

In his statement, the bishop said that this custom was not original, describing it as plagiarism and imitation of pagan cults from ancient Greece and the Orient.

• Nestinarstvo or Bulgarian fire-dancing

Nestinarstvo, a folk tradition honouring Saints Constantine and Helena, has strong roots in the Strandzha Mountains, where the celebration is called Kostadinovden. A key element of the ritual is dancing barefoot on burning embers. Both men and women can become nestinari, although women are required to be beyond childbearing age.

• Fire glowing and drums beating. Dancing and live embers. Fire-walking festival in Strandja
• More about nestinari and fire dancing - a first-person story

Nestinarstvo is also part of Bulgaria's cultural identity and is recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.