US Ambassador Herro Mustafa took part in traditional vine pruning festivities in the village of Ilindentsi

The US Ambassador to Bulgaria, Herro Mustafa, was an official guest at the "Gods of Wine" celebrations in Strumyani Municipality (South-Western Bulgaria).

For the 29th time, the “Gods of Wine” visited the village of Ilindentsi to bless the vineyards and wish a rich harvest.

The Ambassador took part in the pruning of the vineyards together with the Mayor Emil Iliev.

After the ceremony, Ambassador Herro Mustafa wished fertility and prosperity.

In the area of Masovets, where there are thousands of acres of vineyards, the six deities - Sabazius, Zagreus, Dionysus, Bacchus and St. Triphon performed the ritual "Rosalie" - pouring wine over a fire.

***

As part of the traditions, the feast of gods of wine in February takes place in the village of Ilindentsi near Blagoevgrad. It is dedicated to the Bulgarian holiday of vine and wine, Trifon Zarezan, (Trifon the Pruner), celebrated on 14th of February, when Bulgarians mark the holiday of vine-growers and wine-makers.

Trifon Zarezan is the traditional Bulgarian wine celebration that marks the time of the year when vine-growers trim back their vines.

The first pruning of the vines for the season is the main ritual performed on February 14, when people gather in the vineyards outside the villages.