Children from Center Amalipe visit Bulgarian National Radio on Roma New Year

On January 14, Roma people in Bulgaria celebrate Bango Vasil, also known as Vasilitsa and the Roma New Year. The holiday is linked to the legend of Bango Vasil, or the Lame Vasil, who is believed to be the savior of the Roma by rebuilding a bridge destroyed by the Devil, allowing them to cross the river. From that moment on, he became their saint and protector.

The Roma celebrate Vasilitsa for three days. Their festive table includes a boiled rooster, stuffed cabbage leaves, a banitsa with lucky charms, and ritual bread.

For another year, Bulgarian National Radio welcomes children from the Amalipe Center, who present the traditions of Roma, Bulgarian, and Turkish folklore associated with the holiday in the radio’s historic building. This year, the participants come from Hristo Botev Secondary School in the town of Bobov Dol.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov