Bulgarian Roma celebrate the Feast of Bango Vassili

Most Roma groups in Bulgaria celebrate today St. Basil’s Day (the Feast of Bango Vassili, Vasilitsa). It is known in the country as “the Roma New Year”. The festivities last for three days- on January 13, 14 and 15.

Roma children from the village of Tarnene, Pleven district, are expected to visit the Embassy of Denmark online. The event is organized by the Amalipe Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance.

The celebration of “Vasilitsa” is related to several Roma legends about Bango Vassili- defender and protector of Roma who restored a bridge destroyed by the Devil or God and saved the drowning Roma.