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October 2026 Holidays in Bulgaria

October is a month of autumn name days and golden nature. Petkovden (October 14th) is among the most widely celebrated name days — Petko and Petka are extremely common names. Dimitrovden (October 26th) closes the pastoral season and is linked to rich folk traditions.

What to Celebrate

14
Petkovden (St. Petka's Day)Name Day

Name day for Petko, Petka, Paraskeva, and derivatives. St. Petka is one of the most revered saints in Bulgarian Orthodox tradition.

26
Dimitrovden (St. Demetrius' Day)Name Day

Major name day on October 26th — celebrates Dimitar, Mitko, Dimitrina, and dozens of derivatives. Symbolically closes summer and the pastoral season.

1
Protection of the TheotokosReligious

On October 1st, the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos is celebrated. The day is connected to the start of autumn weddings in folk tradition.

Cultural Context

In the Bulgarian folk calendar, October is the time of "closing the earth" — the agricultural season ends and nature prepares for winter. Dimitrovden (October 26th) symbolically closes summer (which was "opened" on Gergyovden). In some regions, a sacrificial meal is prepared. Petkovden is linked to the belief that St. Petka protects women, family, and domestic comfort.

Full October holiday list →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What are the biggest name days in October?
The two biggest name days in October are Petkovden (October 14th — Petko, Petka, Paraskeva) and Dimitrovden (October 26th — Dimitar, Mitko, Dimitrina). Dimitrovden is among the top five most widely celebrated name days in Bulgaria.
▶Are there official public holidays in October?
October has no official public holidays in Bulgaria. The month is primarily associated with autumn name days and folk holidays.
▶What is the significance of Dimitrovden in Bulgarian tradition?
Dimitrovden (October 26th) symbolically closes the summer half of the year (opened on Gergyovden — May 6th). In folk tradition, this is when the pastoral and agricultural season ends. The saying goes: "Gergyovden opens, Dimitrovden closes." In many regions, people finish autumn preparations for winter on this day.