Ancient local custom “Kapanak” observed in Karlovo

The ancient local custom “Kapanak” was observed in the Karlovo neighborhood of Sushitsa. According to tradition, on Ivanovden (St. John’s Day) women who were married during the past year are bathed in cold spring water.

The event was organized by the local community center “Vasil Levski – 1927” at Drandevata Fountain. The first bucket of icy water was poured over the back of the only bride of 2025, Petya Kozichkova, by her godparents, after which she sprinkled the attendees with water for good health, reported BNT.

The men named Ivan then bathed in the fountain’s trough to celebrate their name day. The festivities ended with a traditional Bulgarian horo dance.

Edited by Miglena Ivanova

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov