Three days in mid-July are given special attention in the Bulgarian calendar. 15, 16 and 17 July are known as the Dog Days or Goreshtnitsi (from goreshto, meaning 'hot') and are considered to be the hottest time of the year in Bulgaria. During this period, our ancestors honoured the unbridled power of fire, which comes from the sun and providing us with warmth and light.

As with all special days and holidays, certain prohibitions apply to the Dog Days – for example, bread could not be baked in order to protect the harvest from fire and hail. It was believed that anything crafted during this period would burn, so women did not engage in handicrafts. It is no coincidence that the third day of the Dog Days coincides with the Feast of Saint Marina, known to Bulgarians as 'Firy Marina' and symbolising the heavenly fire. Tradition dictates that a fire should be lit on this day, which people jump over for good health. They then take embers from it to their homes to light their hearths.

According to popular belief, the weather during these three days indicates what the weather will be like during the first three months of the following year. If the weather on 15, 16 and 17 July is warm and sunny, the corresponding month – January, February or March – will also be mild, snowless, warm and rainy. However, cold weather in July portends winter frosts and storms.

Further information about folk beliefs, traditions and customary bans associated with the Dog Days of the year can be found in these Radio Bulgaria publications:

• Dog days in Bulgarian tradition
• Orthodox Church honors the Holy Martyr Marina