Date and public holiday status
Saints Peter and Paul Day is an Orthodox church feast celebrated on 29 June every year. In Bulgaria it is known as Petrovden. It is not a public holiday: it is a normal working day in Bulgaria.
The feast falls on Monday, 29 June in 2026, Tuesday, 29 June in 2027, and Thursday, 29 June in 2028.
The apostles and the fast
The church honours Saints Peter and Paul as leading apostles. Peter was a fisherman from Galilee and one of Christ’s first disciples. Paul initially persecuted Christians, but after the miracle on the road to Damascus, he became a fervent preacher among the Gentiles. Both apostles were martyred in Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero.
The feast is preceded by the Apostles’ Fast, known in Bulgaria as Petrov post. It begins on the Monday after All Saints’ Sunday, so its length varies from year to year.
Fruit and family traditions
Petrovden is associated with the ripening of the first summer fruits. Early apples are called petrovki, a name linked to the feast. Traditionally, they are not eaten before the holiday; they are blessed in church and shared with wishes for good health.
In some parts of Bulgaria, a rooster or hen is slaughtered as part of a tradition for the family’s health.
Name days
Petrovden is also a name day, a celebration for people whose names are associated with the feast. Those celebrating include Petar, Petya, Petranka, Pepa, Petrana, Pavel, Pavlina, Polina and people with related names.