St Nicholas and Burgas
Burgas City Day falls on 6 December every year, coinciding with Nikulden, the Bulgarian name for St Nicholas’ Day. St Nicholas is honoured as the patron saint of sailors and fishermen, making the celebration particularly meaningful in a city whose life has long been shaped by the sea.
Burgas lies at the westernmost point of the Black Sea, on the shores of Burgas Bay. It is surrounded by three lakes: Burgas Lake, also known as Vaya, Atanasovsko Lake and Mandrensko Lake. The port and fishing have shaped life here for centuries, making St Nicholas a natural patron for the city.
How the City Celebrates
The municipality traditionally distributes fish and riben kurban, a ceremonial fish dish, at several locations around Burgas. The Municipal Council also holds a ceremonial meeting and awards the title of Honorary Citizen of Burgas.
A concert takes place in Troykata Square, where the Christmas tree lights are switched on, followed by fireworks. For many Burgas residents, Nikulden also marks the beginning of the city’s Christmas season.
The Sea Garden, the Sea Casino and the port are among the places where the largest numbers of people gather on the festive day. These gathering places reflect the maritime setting that gives Burgas City Day its local character.
Public Holiday Status
Burgas City Day is not a public holiday: it is a normal working day in Bulgaria. Although the city marks the occasion with civic ceremonies and celebrations, the date is not a national day off.