Ilyin's Day in Bulgaria is celebrated annually on July 20. It is dedicated to the Holy Prophet Elijah, who performed many great miracles to defeat the pagan gods and convert people to Christianity.
By July 20, residents of Bulgarian villages are trying to finish harvesting wheat and tying vines. They are well aware that later it will be necessary to collect grapes, corn, barley, etc., but Ilyin's day turns out to be a time of rest after the end of one hard work and before the beginning of another. That is why on July 20, the peasants are trying to properly rest and have fun, honoring the Holy Prophet.
Although Ilyin's Day is also celebrated in some cities, the villagers are especially fond of celebrating it. On this day, it is customary to slaughter an ox or a ram, and then cook the meat on a spit. Some families also kill the oldest rooster in the chicken coop. Then a special soup is prepared, the main ingredient of which is offal. These dishes become part of the ritual dinner, moreover, they are prepared not only in homes, but also directly near the church during those hours when a special festive service takes place there.
Also, the villagers prepare food with whole families, gathering in a spacious clearing near the village. Festive dishes are consecrated by the minister of the church, after which the peasants begin a solemn ritual dinner. On Ilyin's day, it is customary to help everyone in need, so the villagers prepare food not only for themselves, but also for their poor neighbors or for beggars asking for alms. Everyone, including the poor, is having fun on this holiday, and everyone can eat their fill. Often, relatives, including the most distant ones, gather on Ilyin's Day and arrange special family celebrations.
Ilya the prophet became to some extent a replacement for Perun, the pagan god of thunder, whose worship the Slavs had to abandon after the adoption of Christianity. That is why he is credited with some of the features of Perun, including the ability to command the heavenly elements. This was reflected in the traditions: if the summer turned out to be hot and dry, on Ilyin's day the Bulgarians arrange a special ceremony, begging the prophet to send rain that would help grow a good harvest.
