Origins of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day falls on 14 February each year and is dedicated to love and those in love. It takes its name from a Roman priest of the third century who died as a martyr.
According to later legends, Valentine secretly married young couples and sent notes signed “from your Valentine”. These stories have no historical confirmation, so they are best understood as legends associated with the celebration rather than established accounts of his life.
The connection between the day and romantic love emerged during the Middle Ages in England and France. Exchanging Valentine’s cards became a widespread tradition in the nineteenth century.
Love and Wine in Bulgaria
Valentine’s Day became popular in Bulgaria after 1990. Couples celebrate by exchanging flowers, cards and gifts, and by going out for a romantic dinner. Known in Bulgarian as Sveti Valentin, it is a popular but unofficial celebration of love.
The date is also shared with Trifon Zarezan, a Bulgarian celebration associated with wine. As a result, 14 February is often celebrated in Bulgaria in both ways: “with love and wine”. The two celebrations share the date without being the same holiday.
Public Holiday Status
Valentine’s Day is not a public holiday: it is a normal working day in Bulgaria. Its popularity as a romantic occasion does not give it official day-off status.
It is also not a church feast in the Bulgarian Orthodox calendar. In Bulgaria, its observance is an unofficial celebration rather than a public or Orthodox church holiday.