Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

More than 347,000 Bulgarians celebrate name day on the Day of St. John the Baptist

Photo: archive

More than 347,000 Bulgarians bearing the name Ivan celebrate name day today when the Orthodox Church marks the Feast of St. John the Baptist, known as Ivanovden. " Ivan is a title in Bulgaria, not a name," people say about the most revered name in this country meaning "Grace of God". 

In almost every Bulgarian family there is someone named Ivan or Ivanka who celebrates on the Day of St. John the Baptist. The second most-common name is praised in the popular song “Ivane, Ivane” performed by Bogdana Karadocheva.




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

The 43rd Golden Rose Bulgarian Feature Film Festival begins

From September 16 to 23, 2025, Varna once again becomes the capital of Bulgarian cinema. The Festival and Congress Centre-Varna will host the 43rd Golden Rose Bulgarian Feature Film Festival. The competition programme includes 17 feature films..

published on 9/16/25 6:40 AM

A cool morning and summer temperatures on Tuesday

On Tuesday, the lowest temperatures will range from 10 °C to 15°C, around 11°C in Sofia. In the morning hours, there will be low clouds or reduced visibility in some lowland areas and around water bodies. It will be sunny during the day. There will..

published on 9/15/25 6:40 PM
Atanas Zapryanov

Bulgarian Defence Minister Zapryanov meets Albanian counterpart Vengu in Tirana

Bulgarian Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov met his Albanian counterpart Pirro Vengu in Tirana on Monday in his first official visit to Albania, the Albanian Defence Ministry said. The two ministers highlighted strong defence and security ties..

published on 9/15/25 6:25 PM