Saint Triphon

He is the Saint of Tryphon: festive related to the wine producer, winner, gardener and barman, of course. On the 14th of February men around the world give flowers or love letters, but in Bulgaria, Trifon Zarezan is a very old tradition in which love for wine is given importance.

Tradition has it that the housewife rises early to knead and bake grape-leaf bread. You must also make rice-stuffed chicken. She packs everything in a new wool bag with a glass of wine and sends her husband to the vineyards. He cuts three sticks of three roots and “says” sweet words to the vineyard to make good wine. Most of the country uses the same method. This ritual is called “abandonment” and involves making a garland of sticks, decorating his hat, and watering the roots with wine, holy water, and Christmas Eve ashes.

When

This custom was before on February 2, but now it's on February 14.

Where

Head to the Melnik region, which is known for producing excellent wine.

Additional information

You can join locals enjoying it at restaurants and wineries.

Then everyone gathers and chooses the “king of the vineyards”, who is often the most generous and respected man in the village or the one whose vineyards enjoyed a favourable climate and fertility. Once chosen, they crown him with a crown made of geranium, boxwood and young shoots, a ritual that again reminds us of the ancient Thracian god Dionysus.

This festival is celebrated throughout Bulgaria and to make your experience more complete, we recommend you visit one of the many wineries scattered throughout the country. Which saint will you choose if you are in Bulgaria next February 14? It is a question that depends on the preferences of each one, but whatever it is, drink with love.

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