In Bulgaria, two ancient traditions reflect the powerful relationship between nature, Christian faith, and the human spirit: the Nestinari Fire Dance and the Ice Epiphany celebration. Both have been passed down through generations and performed for centuries. But will these traditions survive despite a young and less superstitious generation? Our editor Liliana asked Momchil from the predominantly Muslim-populated town Kardzhali to share his insights.
An Image to Remember
The crowd gathers tightly along the frozen riverbank, their breath hanging in the cold air like soft clouds. Bare-chested men stand ready, their skin steaming with determination and bravery against the biting cold, while women wrapped in thick scarves and coats clutch rosaries. The river, half-covered with ice, reflects the golden robes of the priest. He holds the carved wooden cross high above his head, its polished surface gleaming, before sending it flying into the air with a sweeping motion. The cross breaks through the icy water with a sharp splash, sending droplets into the air. A cheer rises from the crowd as men dive in after it, their bodies crashing into the freezing water with loud splashes, their shouts blending with the ringing of church bells and the hum of excitement that fills the frosty air. This is Epiphany in Bulgaria.
New Year, Same Traditions
After the traditional New Year’s speech by the president of the country, one thing Bulgarians can expect with the same level of certainty every year occurs just six days later. Year after year, television reports feature the tradition of swimming in icy waters on Epiphany (6 January).
With the same certainty, one can expect to hear about people in remote villages walking on fire (Nestinarstvo) at the end of May. At first glance, these Bulgarian traditions seem completely opposite: after all, one is all about ice, while the other is all about fire.
Questioning Traditions
My parents never took me to observe these traditions in person, as the most traditional places to witness them are not very close to the capital, Sofia. I have never known anyone who has taken part in them either. Perhaps that’s why I belong to the group of people who, from a young age, have questioned both traditions. For instance, jumping into a river to chase a cross while it’s minus 10 or 20 degrees Celsius outside sounds impressive. But I’ve wondered: how jumping into icy waters for health benefits in the middle of winter aligns with the risk of hypothermia or illness? These doubts only grew when I learned the ritual continued even during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Preserving or Commercializing?
Another example concerns Nestinarstvo. In Bulgaria, Nestinarstvo gradually disappeared in the mid-20th century. based on my research, the tradition is currently preserved only in a few villages in the Strandzha Mountains. If a tradition naturally ceases to exist, I’ve wondered whether it would be best just to let it fade away rather than artificially sustain it. In the 20th century, the ritual became commercialized, and it always started being performed for tourists in the seaside resorts of the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast by people who have little connection to the original tradition.

Nestinarstvo (Photo: Zigzag0858, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nestinari.jpg)
Traditions in Transition
In their pure form, both traditions are deeply connected to spirituality, ritualism, and collective social experiences. However, what we observe of them today makes me worry that the effort to preserve our national heritage has taken a backseat, while the focus on creating such events as revenue-generating tourist attractions has come to the forefront. Different companies organize team buildings using firewalking as a “pioneering” technique for leadership empowerment. They use statements or descriptions such as an “ultimate team event for facing your fears, team bonding, challenging limiting beliefs and realising your true potential”, “an experience aimed at modifying our mental paradigms and habits, focused on “I CAN’T”, “an exercise in decision making and overcoming your negative beliefs”.
When googling “firewalking” and “teambuilding,” I stumbled upon an article from 2022 announcing that 25 people suffered burns after trying to firewalk as part of a team building event in Switzerland, which only proves that this ritual should be taken more seriously and with more precautions than a little fun energy booster.
Momchil, a EUSTORY alumni from Kardzhali has had the chance to watch Nestinarstvo but is also well aware of the concept and tradition of the Ice horo.
What is Your Connection to the Rituals?
Momchil: When I first saw Nestinarstvo, I was still a child. Back then, I was quite impressed purely by the physical challenge it seemed to be, since the symbolism is usually quite alien to children’s minds. The same can be said about the Ice horo, as it is just as challenging as firewalking. Later in life, I began to understand the symbolism itself, but it came with a price: should the rational mind accept such practices as useful, or should it accept the fact that they come with inherent danger?
Moreover, they are clearly not Christian; they are a mix of local beliefs and Christian interpretation. There are traces of such rituals dating back to the ancient Thracians. Similar rituals can also be found in other places, such as India and Polynesia, but it is unlikely that they are connected. These rituals were probably created in the Balkans, where villages in Northern Greece – a region closely connected to Bulgarian culture – have a very similar tradition called Anastenaria, which sounds quite similar to Nestinarstvo.

Celebrating the Epiphany, Kalofer, Bulgaria (Photo: Ali Eminov, https://www.flickr.com/photos/aliarda/12016230154)
Do Rituals Like Nestinarstvo and the Ice Horo Foster a Sense of National Identity Among Young Bulgarians?
Momchil: Most rituals have lost their original meaning and purpose. This is due to several reasons, such as the lack of interest among younger generations, significant shifts in societal priorities and values, and the fact that many rituals are now seen as outdated. For most young people, ritual ceremonies feel annoying, meaningless, and alien, making it difficult for them to connect with or understand their purpose.
When young people participate in these rituals, it is often because they are compelled by family or societal expectations rather than out of personal belief, a sense of necessity, or genuine interest.
Where Does the Foundation of National Identity Lie?
Momchil: National identity cannot be built solely on traditions and rituals. It must be rooted in a shared vision for the future – one that unites people both individually and collectively as a society. While many nations share similar histories, traditions, and beliefs, what truly distinguishes them is the future they aspire to create.
It is the presence or absence of a common goal that unites or divides societies, not their past or the rituals they practice.
What Determines Whether a Society is United or Divided?
Momchil: These examples highlight a stark contrast in the approaches to achieving an imagined future. Germany prioritized cooperation to grow stronger, while the Balkans were mired in conflict, with nations striving to dominate one another. Ultimately, it is the accentuation on a final goal that determines whether a society is united or divided.
What Motivates Young People to Participate in Religious-Based Rituals in a Secular Society?
Momchil: The meaning and power of a ritual do not stem solely from the specific actions it involves but rather from the inner feelings and mindset of the participants. This is evident in the fact that most ritual actions are symbolic in nature. Yet, this symbolism does not prevent participants from understanding the ritual’s purpose or experiencing the emotions it evokes. Furthermore, the impact of the ritual often extends beyond the moment itself, influencing the participants’ lives either in tangible, scientifically measurable ways or through the shifts in mindset and perspective it brings about.
Modern Practices Inspired by Traditional Rituals: Popularization or Loss of Meaning?
Momchil: Confucius once said that a ritual makes sense as long as the participants understand its purpose, meaning, and outcome. If a ritual becomes meaningless, lacks respect, and serves no clear function for a society – then its disappearance is inconsequential, as it has already lost its original significance.
Can Rituals be Seen as Expressions of Collective Identity?
Momchil: Rituals are meant to represent shared beliefs within a group of people united by common values, such as nationality, religion, or a shared living space. Through rituals, community members demonstrate their respect for these shared values and affirm their belonging to a collective identity. Rituals are a testament to unity – a visible expression of the shared foundation that binds people together.
Are there Alternative Ways to Establish a Sense of “us”?
Momchil: In today’s world, where traditional unifiers like religion and nationality are fading as such, we all witness more and more people turning to new ways to create a sense of “us.” I notice that commonalities such as professional roles or workplace culture often replace these bonds. In the corporate world, many of us feel a stronger connection to our job than our nationality, as our daily lives are shaped more by our professional identity than our cultural or national heritage.
With this in mind, practices like Nesinarstvo or the Ice Horo can still serve a valuable purpose if they succeed in uniting people and fostering a sense of togetherness.
These rituals help participants feel part of a cohesive “us,” whether the group is defined by shared cultural heritage, professional bonds, or other commonalities.
Momchil: In achieving this, such practices fulfil the original purpose of rituals: creating a sense of connection, shared experience, and collective well-being. Whether the participants are coworkers or compatriots, the end result is the same — strengthened relationships and positively impacting both the individual and the group.
Balancing Preservation and Evolution
By showcasing elements of rituals like firewalking in a non-religious or secular setting, they can spark curiosity and appreciation for the original customs among people who might otherwise never encounter them. On the other hand, adapting these rituals for modern, often commercial purposes risks stripping them of their more profound cultural and spiritual significance. Are we, however, genuinely preserving these traditions if their essence is lost in the process?
While rituals like Nestinarstvo and the Ice Horo may have lost much of their traditional significance, they still have the potential to foster a sense of collective identity. The image of Bulgarians waist-deep in icy waters, draped in national colours and united in music and movement, vividly demonstrates these rituals’ power to unite people. As societies evolve, people seek new ways to connect, and these rituals serve as bridges between past and present, offering moments of unity.