The Bulgarian tradition of “July Morning”

On July 1 every year, Bulgarians celebrate “July Morning” – the day that brings the free-spirited together.

Thousands of people gather in various places in Bulgaria to watch the sun rise on the 1st day of July.

As part of the tradition, which is unique for Bulgaria, the largest number of people gather along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.

It began more than 40 years ago in the costal city of Varna and since then every year enthusiasts gather on the beach to greet the first rays of the sun.

The sunrise is usually met with Uriah Heep’s 1971 song ‘July Morning’. The song is played while the sun rises abov the black Sea. People gather around fires, sharing drinks and playing music, while they wait for the sunrise.

The "July Morning" tradition dates back to the hippie period in the 1970s and 1980s and originated as a protest against the restrictions of the communist regime. The meeting of the sunrise was a symbol of meeting a new beginning and a better future. Nowadays, this meaning is lost, but the sun worship as a symbol of a new beginning in life motivates young people to keep the tradition live. The day has become popular as a celebration of the free spirit for which the sky is the limit.