March 1

Baba Marta

Get ready to welcome spring with the vibrant and festive traditions of Baba Marta - weaving martenitsi and warding off evil spirits!

Yearly Date
March 1
Type
Day
Category
Cultural

Introduction

Get your red and white threads ready, because Baba Marta is coming on March 1! This holiday is deeply rooted in Bulgarian folklore and tradition, as it celebrates the arrival of spring and the end of winter. According to legend, Baba Marta is an old woman who controls the weather and her mood can determine whether spring will come early or late. To appease her, people wear red and white wristbands called "martenitsi" and exchange them with loved ones for good luck. So let's embrace this joyful holiday and welcome the beginning of a new season with open arms!

Baba Marta Timeline

6000 BC
Origins of Martenitsi
Archeological sites from the neolithic age in Bulgaria have revealed similar red and white adornments, indicating the tradition of making martenitsi might date back to this era.
681
Spread in the Bulgarian Empire
With the establishment of the First Bulgarian Empire, cultural practices including the honoring of Baba Marta were shared with neighboring regions.
1800s
Folklore Solidifies
Welcoming of spring with the Baba Marta tradition and martenitsi exchange became widely accepted and practiced throughout Bulgaria during this century.
1962
Martenitsa Commercial Production
Industrial production of martenitsi began, turning a homemade craft into a widespread commercial product.
2008
UNESCO Recognition
The "Martenitsa" tradition was officially inscribed into the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

How to Celebrate Baba Marta

1

Make Martenitsi bracelets

Baba Marta is a Bulgarian holiday that is celebrated by wearing red and white bracelets called Martenitsi. Get creative and make your own Martenitsi to wear and share with friends and family.

2

Attend a Baba Marta festival

Many Bulgarian communities hold festivals and events to celebrate Baba Marta. Look for one in your area and experience the traditions and customs of this holiday firsthand.

3

Cook traditional Bulgarian dishes

Food is an important part of any celebration, so why not try your hand at cooking some traditional Bulgarian dishes? Some popular options for Baba Marta include banitsa (cheese pie) and kozunak (sweet bread).

4

Exchange Martenitsi with friends

In Bulgarian tradition, exchanging Martenitsi with friends and family is believed to bring health and happiness. Take part in this custom by gifting Martenitsi to your loved ones.

5

Decorate your home with Baba Marta symbols

Red and white are the colors of Baba Marta, so decorate your home with these colors and traditional symbols such as a Pizho and Penda (male and female dolls made of yarn).

Why We Love Baba Marta

A

It's a Bulgarian holiday with rich culture and traditions

Baba Marta is celebrated in Bulgaria on March 1st as a way to welcome spring and say goodbye to the cold winter. It's filled with unique customs and superstitions, making it a fun and fascinating holiday to learn about.

B

The tradition of giving and wearing martenitsi

One of the main customs of Baba Marta is the exchanging of martenitsi - small, decorative ornaments made from red and white thread. These are worn throughout the month of March as a symbol of health, happiness, and good luck.

C

Delicious traditional food

No holiday is complete without some delicious dishes, and Baba Marta is no exception. Traditional Bulgarian foods like banitsa (cheese pastry), kozunak (sweet bread), and kashkaval (cheese) are often prepared and shared during the holiday celebration. It's a great way to discover new and tasty dishes!

Baba Marta Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Feb 28
Tuesday
2024
Feb 29
Thursday
2025
Feb 28
Friday
2026
Feb 28
Saturday
2027
Feb 28
Sunday