I announced to one of my friends recently that February 14th is a drinking holiday in Bulgaria.  He told me: it's a drinking holiday in the states too.  Maybe.  February 14th is St Valentine's Day in the States.  I would argue that it's a day for lovers, boxes of chocolate, red roses, expensive dinners and diamonds.  Drinking is I think secondary.

In Bulgaria however, February 14th is St. Trifon's day.  St. Trifon is the patron saint of wine-makers and publicans.  As such, it's said that the entire country pays respect to him on the 14th of February. This, I would argue, makes February 14th an official drinking holiday.

St. Valentine's Day may include drinking but it's secondary to celebrating love.  St. Trifon's Day, on the other hand, celebrates wine drinking.  I think that's great.

Being a new comer in this country, I don't know much about this holiday.  <!--more-->Heck I haven't even celebrated it yet but I have to say that any holiday which focuses specifically on wine drinking can't be a bad thing.  Well, maybe February 15th isn't so fun but my hunch is that nobody is thinking about that on the 14th.

This is a holiday I would like to take back to the States with me.  It seems like the prefect theme for a single-kids party on February 14th.  I've been single for 27 Valentine's Days (for anyone wondering--that's all of them) and I figure when I am living in the States next year this would be the perfect way to introduce my friends to Bulgaria and to this superior holiday.

So I did some informal and highly unscientific research (I asked a few Bulgarian friends and did a google search). Here's what I learned. 1) It's said that the tradition is a leftover from the ancient Thracians, who honored the god Dionysus in this way. 2) This is the day that vineyard owners cut their grape vines and then they drink wine.  A lot of it.  3). Even if you don't own a vineyard you can still celebrate by imbuing wine on this day. 4) Apparently, Valentine's Day is also starting to sneak into Bulgaria and some people celebrate both.

Still, it's a simple uncomplicated holiday. I like that. You're not obligated to feel bad about yourself because you're single; you don't have to worry about whether you should buy red roses, expensive chocolates or jewelry; nor do you have to call weeks in advance for reservations at a romantic restaurant.  It seems to me that all you have to be able to do is raise your glass to your lips.  You might also want to be able to ask for a glass of wine (Moje li chasha bialo/cherveno vino?) Oh and you might want to be able to say cheers!... наздраве!.... Nazdrave!!

Here's to the nectar of the gods!