Meaning and date
Lazarus Saturday, or Lazarovden in Bulgarian, is observed on the Saturday before Palm Sunday, eight days before Orthodox Easter. Its date changes with Easter: it falls on 4 April in 2026, 24 April in 2027 and 8 April in 2028.
The Church commemorates the miracle in which Jesus Christ raised his friend Lazarus of Bethany from the dead, four days after his death. This event foreshadows Christ’s own Resurrection.
The lazaruvane tradition
In Bulgarian folk tradition, Lazarovden celebrates maidenhood and spring. Its characteristic custom is lazaruvane: young women, known as lazarki, dress in festive traditional costumes, adorn themselves with flowers and visit homes in groups.
Outside each home, they perform special songs and traditional group dances. The songs are intended for different members of the household, such as the host, a young woman, an unmarried man or a child. In return, the hosts give the visitors eggs, money and small gifts.
According to folk belief, a young woman who has taken part in lazaruvane is ready to marry. In some regions, the lazarki also float small wreaths in a river as a way of telling their marriage fortunes.
Observance in Bulgaria today
Lazarus Saturday is not a public holiday or a day off: it is a normal working day in Bulgaria.
The custom survives in many villages and is being revived through folk groups, schools and chitalishta, Bulgarian community cultural centres. Lazar, Lazarina and people with related names also celebrate their name day on Lazarovden.
