Bulgaria - Event

Ladouvane, or Singing to Rings, is celebrated by unmarried women who are eager to get hitched. It takes place around Midsummer's Day (traditionally 24 June in Bulgaria) but in certain regions of the country it falls on New Year's Eve.

Rings are fastened with red thread to a bunch of foliage from perennial plants, dropped into a cauldron filled with spring water and left overnight under the stars. The next day the unmarried girls perform a ritual dance around it (Ladouvane) before their fortunes are told.

The regions that celebrate Ladouvane on New Year's Eve are Western Bulgaria, the Central Balkan Range and some areas along the Danube. Dates can be a little vague, however, so please check with the local tourist office for further information.