204: Your ingredients for a Bulgarian Christmas
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Visiting this geographically diverse country opens you up to a whole new meaning of Christmas. Imagine the snow capped mountains and the breath taking views in Bansko, sipping mulled wine as you stand on your balcony. Whilst the festivities at this time of year in Bulgaria are very traditional, there are new and exciting developments especially in the property and rental market. Contemporary apartments sit beautifully against the ruggedness of the rural parts of Bulgaria, whilst the modern developments on the beach resorts give a new dimension to the traditional qualities of the coastline.
In Bulgaria Christmas festivities start on the 20th December and there is an abundance of family and community orientated rituals and activities during the season. One of the first events to take place on the 23rd is Budnik from the Bulgarian word “Budeshte” meaning future. The men in the family go out to the forests and bring back felled logs to bring prosperity to the home and to make peoples hopes a reality. It is symbolic of the mythical tree, described in carols “its branches touching the sky, its roots deep in the ground, and its leaves- made of silver and gold.” It is down through this tree that at Christmas the “young God” will come down to Earth and bring everyone good fortune.
One of the most widespread traditions is the special dinner that consists of an astounding twelve dishes, one for each month of the year, which is eaten on Christmas Eve. The Bulgarians do not eat meat at this time, only foods taken from the earth, which symbolises a good harvest from that year. They also tell each others fortunes and bake a Bannitza cake that bears a coin. Who ever finds the coin will be brought good luck for the coming year.
Christmas folk songs are a prominent feature in the festivities. Each family member tells a story and most, if not all, describe religious events such as the birth of baby Jesus. That is why Bulgarian people refer to this day as Bozhich- the word being derived from Bog, or God in English.
In keeping with the Bulgarians traditional outlook on life, Christmas is a great time for skiing; increasingly the locals are joined by visitors from all across Europe making the most of the crisp, white slopes as well. As well as skiing, golf is also becoming popular especially with up and coming developments such as the Nicklaus PGA golf development in Dolna Bayna just outside the ski resort of Borovetz. These are infinitely attractive to keen golfers and with the added mineral spas there is something to offer everyone.
In a recent survey Bulgaria was named Europe’s cheapest tourism destination and you can get a full ski pack in the resort of Borovets, which includes ski and boot hire, lift pass and ski school for around £155 for six days, you won’t be surprised to learn that the area’s attraction is becoming obvious to a growing number of British people looking for a ski property abroad.
There are many new investment property developments available such as the Sapphire Development in Bansko.
This exciting new investment property development in Bansko has been thoughtfully designed to blend with the architectural style of the town. It comprises of 4 residential buildings and a sports centre. The complex aims to provide its visitors with everything they need for their trip, whatever time of year. The scenic courtyard has landscaped gardens, parking, chops, café, swimming pool an
d restaurants in a gated community. There is also a property management service on hand for owners wishing to rent out their apartment. The studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments on offer are each built to the highest standards with fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms, telephone, cable TV and internet access. They also boast many terraces with stunning views across the mountains. A studio starts from 26,000 Euros and a one bedroom apartment starts at 49,000 Euros.
Due to the increase in tourism and development of such ski resorts, there has never been a better time to invest. So perhaps it’s time to head off to the hills and invest in your dream of buying a property abroad and you never know, by next year you could be enjoying a traditional Bulgarian Christmas yourself.
For more information on the Sapphire Development and other developments across Bulgaria contact Bulgaria Revealed on 0845 054 8697, email information@bulgariarevealed.com or visit them on the web at www.bulgariarevealed.com.
Source:
Ashton Billige Property Marketing